The design phase for a $450 million hospital annex at the State University of New York Upstate Medical is set to begin, according to an announcement from Governor Kathy Hochul. The project will include a new and expanded emergency department and burn unit intended to serve Central New York.
Governor Hochul stated, “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 later approved by Governor Hochul and the State Legislature as part of the FY26 Enacted Budget. The initiative has received support from local legislative delegations and labor organizations.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “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 the Academic Medical Centers and Hospitals Committee, commented: “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.”
Upstate Medical University President Mantosh Dewan expressed gratitude for state support: “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 added: “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.”
Local representatives echoed their support:
Representative John W. Mannion noted: “SUNY Upstate is the region’s largest employer … Significant capital investment is essential … This new hospital annex is another generational project for Syracuse … I’m proud to support it as we strengthen … healthcare infrastructure…”
State Senator Rachel May said: “This is an exciting first step toward a state-of-the-art emergency department … I am proud that … we secured $450 million for this transformative project … This funding will enable… life-saving care in a modern safe facility…”
State Senator Chris Ryan highlighted economic opportunity: “I’m proud to see selection of a design firm … brings us one step closer… I was proud to support $450 million included in FY 2025–26 State Budget… Cannon Design … ensuring this investment strengthens both healthcare infrastructure & economic opportunity…”
Assemblymember Pamela Hunter stressed workforce participation: “This marks an exciting … step forward… strong participation from Minority & Women Owned Business Enterprises & Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses…”
Assemblymembers Bill Magnarelli & Al Stirpe emphasized progress on construction contracts & meeting rising demand.
Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh called it “critically important” while Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon described it as “an important milestone.”
Labor union leaders also welcomed increased capacity:
CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan stated: “CSEA members at Upstate Medical see every day how urgently Central NY needs expanded emergency & critical care services…”
PEF President Wayne Spence thanked lawmakers “who voted…to protect NY’s most precious resource — health…” UUP President Frederick E Kowal cited dedication “to educating & training next generation…”
The contract was approved by the Office of The State Comptroller. Cannon Design Architecture & Engineering P.C., along with several subconsultants including many certified MWBE or SDVOB firms (meeting or exceeding goals set at 15% MBE/WBE each; 6% SDVOB), will lead design efforts.
SUNY continues outreach efforts with MWBE contractors following previous briefings held over summer during bidding stages; further updates on project progress will be released publicly.
The State University of New York system serves about 1.4 million students across 64 colleges/universities statewide—more than 95% percent live within 30 miles—overseeing nearly one quarter academic research spending statewide.
