The State University of New York Upstate Medical will soon begin the design phase for a $450 million hospital annex, Governor Kathy Hochul announced. The project includes an expanded emergency department and burn unit to serve Central New York.
Governor Hochul said, “All New Yorkers should have access to the highest quality of health and medical care available –– that’s why we’re investing in a state-of-the-art facility for SUNY Upstate Medical and for all of Central New York. At a time when New Yorkers are feeling the uncertainty of rising premiums and federal funding cuts, resources like SUNY Upstate Medical are all the more important. And for generations of Central New Yorkers, this new facility will be a reliable source of care for decades to come.”
Funding was proposed by the SUNY Board of Trustees last year and approved by Governor Hochul and lawmakers in the FY26 Enacted Budget. The project has received backing from regional legislative delegations and labor organizations.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. stated, “Upstate Medical has served generations of families in the Central New York Region with exceptional medical expertise, and we are excited for this necessary expansion to meet the growing needs of the community. We are grateful to Governor Hochul, the Central New York Delegation, both past and present, and local leaders who championed the New York State funding that is making this expansion possible.”
Eric Corngold, SUNY Trustee and Chair of Academic Medical Centers and Hospitals Committee said, “Central New York depends on the great medical care provided by Upstate Medical, and we are pleased to have the support of our Governor and State and local leaders to enhance its medical services. New York State has made a significant investment in Upstate Medical’s infrastructure and operations and as a result the SUNY hospital will grow as a leading healthcare provider and educator.”
Mantosh Dewan, MD, President at Upstate Medical University added: “With this announcement today, we move closer to building a world class emergency department, surgery suite, ICU and burn unit for Central New York. We are grateful to Gov. Hochul and our elected officials, the State University of New York for their support of the $450 million investment that makes today’s announcement possible. Upstate is also eager to collaborate with Cannon Design and its team of experts who will bring their innovative approach to building a modern resilient hospital environment to support every patient that comes through our door.”
Dr. Robert Corona, CEO at Upstate University Hospital commented: “Launching the design phase of our new hospital annex marks an exciting and essential step toward strengthening emergency care for our entire region. With the unprecedented growth earmarked for our region in the coming years, this project ensures Upstate is ready to meet our community’s future health-care needs in a world class facility. We have the most hard-working and professional staff and they deserve a state-of-the-art facility to match, as do the patients we serve. We look forward to working side-by-side with Cannon Design and Architecture on building this much-needed facility. Thank you to Gov. Hochul, SUNY, and the State Legislature who supported this historic investment in the health care needs of our region.”
Representative John W. Mannion noted: “SUNY Upstate is the region’s largest employer and the only Level I trauma center serving a vast stretch of New York from the Pennsylvania border to Canada. It’s an invaluable institution that conducts lifesaving research… This new hospital annex is another generational project for Syracuse…”
State Senator Rachel May remarked: “This is an exciting first step toward a state-of-the-art emergency department that will better serve patients across Central New York… I am proud that…we secured $450 million for this transformative project…”
State Senator Chris Ryan said: “I’m proud to see…the new hospital annex…brings us one step closer to delivering world-class emergency…care services that Central New Yorkers rely on…I was proud to support $450 million included in FY 2025–26 State Budget…”
Assemblymember Pamela Hunter highlighted participation from Minority- or Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) as well as Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses (SDVOB) in designing aspects.
Assemblymembers Bill Magnarelli & Al Stirpe along with Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh expressed strong support noting improvements expected from upgraded facilities.
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon described SUNY Upstate as “one of premier hospitals” while emphasizing community growth requires “cutting edge” medical infrastructure.
Labor organization leaders including CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan; PEF President Wayne Spence; United University Professions President Frederick E Kowal thanked state officials supporting expansion benefiting workforce & public health outcomes.
The design contract was approved by the Office of State Comptroller. Cannon Design Architecture & Engineering P.C., selected through bidding involving MWBE firms over summer briefings hosted by SUNY/SUNY Upstate (with further outreach planned), will lead design work using subconsultants meeting diversity goals—15% MBE/WBE each & 6% SDVOB representation.
SUNY states it remains committed maximizing local contractor participation throughout construction process.
Updates on progress will be released publicly as design advances.