The State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Health Services University Hospital in Brooklyn is set to begin the design phase for a $1.1 billion modernization project, according to an announcement by Governor Kathy Hochul. The initiative aims to upgrade infrastructure, modernize inpatient rooms, expand the emergency department, and construct a new hospital annex featuring an advanced ambulatory surgery center focused on cardiology and oncology services.
Governor Hochul said, “Every New Yorker deserves access to high-quality health and medical care, and this investment at SUNY Downstate will ensure that Brooklyn will have a world class institution available. I am pleased that investments at SUNY Downstate are moving forward and congratulate all of my colleagues who helped make this possible.”
The plan follows recommendations from the Downstate Community Advisory Board (DCAB), which supported more than $1 billion in proposals announced by the governor earlier in June 2025. Funding for the project includes $750 million approved by Governor Hochul and the State Legislature across two fiscal years’ enacted budgets. Additionally, SUNY’s annual capital allocations for Downstate hospital are expected to contribute approximately $50 million each year over the course of the project.
Two main projects comprise this investment: renovations of the existing hospital—including converting double occupancy rooms into private ones with showers, expanding emergency services, and upgrading mechanical systems—and construction of a new annex housing an ambulatory surgery center specializing in cardiology and oncology.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. stated, “Throughout the Brooklyn community, New Yorkers rely on SUNY Downstate, and this investment will ensure a more modern, effective institution to meet these needs. We thank Governor Hochul and the State Legislature for investing in SUNY Downstate and supporting this essential medical center and academic institution.”
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald commented on the importance of these upgrades: “Governor Hochul understands that investments in our New York hospitals are an investment in the health of the communities they serve. This modernization and expansion of SUNY Downstate will ensure the facility can provide meaningful, high-quality services in the Brooklyn community for generations to come.”
Eric Corngold, Chair of SUNY’s Academic Medical Centers and Hospitals Committee, added his support: “SUNY Downstate is a vital institution for Brooklyn. Through the support of Governor Hochul and the passionate advocacy of local officials, we are able to make major renovations and new investments so that SUNY Downstate will continue to serve the community that relies on it for health care and medical training needs.”
Dr. Wayne J. Riley from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University said: “On behalf of the entire SUNY Downstate community, I thank Governor Kathy Hochul for her steadfast leadership and for championing this historic investment in Brooklyn’s only academic medical center. This funding marks a transformative moment for our hospital, our patients, and the communities we proudly serve…Together, we are creating a stronger, more resilient SUNY Downstate that will continue to train the next generation of physicians and deliver exceptional care close to home.”
State Senator Zellnor Myrie expressed pride representing those served by SUNY-Downstate: “Central Brooklyn depends on SUNY-Downstate…These projects will strengthen Downstate’s physical infrastructure, modernize aging facilities and improve patient care…I am grateful to the Governor for responding to our demands for this needed capital funding.”
Assemblymember Brian Cunningham noted: “Moving into the design phase is a significant step forward on the commitment we fought for in this year’s budget…Modernizing campus facilities is essential to strengthening care in Central Brooklyn.”
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso called it “a major win” after years with limited resources allocated toward healthcare upgrades at SUNY Downstate.
City Councilmembers Darlene Mealy and Farah N. Louis highlighted benefits such as expanded emergency care services as well as economic opportunities through commitments to Minority- or Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) participation during contracting.
Union leaders also voiced their approval; CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan pointed out how vital upgraded facilities would be both for patients’ families as well as staff members working at Suny-Downside while Public Employees Federation President Wayne Spence described seeing state investment translate into tangible progress following sustained advocacy efforts.
United University Professions President Frederick E. Kowal underscored its role as Brooklyn’s sole public teaching hospital providing critical training pathways alongside unique lifesaving services unavailable elsewhere locally.
WJL Architecture & Engineering DPC DBA Ewing Cole has been selected as lead designer responsible specifically optimizing current patient service areas while Perkins Eastman Architects DPC leads work constructing new specialty annexes.
SUNY emphasized ongoing outreach efforts involving MWBE firms throughout bidding/subcontracting processes—establishing goals aimed at ensuring inclusive participation among minority-, women-, or service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.
Progress updates regarding these developments can be found at https://astrongerdownstate.org as implementation continues.
