UF Health Florida Surgical Center Expansion

Located in Gainesville, Florida, the UF Health Florida Surgical Center Expansion significantly increased surgical capacity for UF Health Shands Hospital. Serving as construction manager at risk, Robins & Morton delivered a 24,000-square-foot addition that includes six new operating rooms, with the capacity to expand to eight, along with a new prep and recovery area to support the expanded surgical program. The project also encompassed a 7,830-square-foot renovation of existing clinical care areas and circulation paths, bringing the total project footprint to more than 32,000 square feet across two floors. The expansion supports outpatient services for total joint replacements and other orthopedic procedures, directly benefiting the Gainesville community with enhanced access to surgical care.

Constructing within and adjacent to an active healthcare facility presented significant challenges throughout the project. The work required detailed phasing plans and rigorous infection control measures to protect patients and staff during construction. Enabling work involved the reconfiguration of existing clinical care areas, patient care spaces, and circulation paths, all while maintaining uninterrupted hospital operations. Extensive building system upgrades — including modifications to mechanical and electrical rooms, construction of a new mechanical penthouse, and installation of critical infrastructure such as chillers, generators, air handling units, and a telecommunications distribution room — added further complexity. Coordination with trade contractors, UF Health facilities teams, and clinical leadership was essential to keeping the facility fully operational throughout construction.

Robins & Morton’s expertise in building within active healthcare environments was central to the project’s success. The team’s ability to manage complex phasing, coordinate with clinical stakeholders, and execute technically demanding building systems work in a live environment reflects the firm’s commitment to delivering healthcare facilities without compromising patient care. With a strong track record of completed projects for UF Health and a Florida-based team experienced in AHCA-regulated environments, Robins & Morton brought the right expertise to navigate the project’s unique demands. The result is a modernized surgical facility that positions UF Health to serve more patients and expand its orthopedic and outpatient surgical programs for years to come.