UofL Health – UofL Hospital has opened the first phase of its $186 million modernization project with the launch of a new seven-story West Tower.

The expansion adds 193,000 square feet to the downtown Louisville hospital, increasing total inpatient capacity to 404 beds.

The West Tower includes new surgical suites, private inpatient rooms, and a 24-bed observation unit, with six additional observation beds located on inpatient floors. The expansion is intended to ease pressure on one of Kentucky’s busiest emergency departments, which has been operating at or above 90% capacity in recent years. The new infrastructure also allows for the addition of two more floors as demand grows.
“This investment in this tower represents our ongoing commitment to ensure our patients have access to the very best in care, in a healing environment, with an expert team of collaborative and compassionate caregivers guiding their recovery,” said Jason Smith, M.D., CEO of UofL Health.

Located at the hospital’s new main entrance, the tower features a two-story atrium, concierge desk, chapel, coffee shop, and gift shop. Hospital leaders say the space was designed with input from clinical staff to support patient-centered care and improve workflow efficiency.

“Our nurses had significant input in shaping these improvements to ensure care is efficient and compassionate,” said Shari Kretzschmer, UofL Health chief nursing officer. “Patients and families will experience enhanced accommodations, including private rooms.”

UofL Hospital is the primary teaching and research hospital for UofL Health and serves as a Level I trauma center. It houses Kentucky’s first Comprehensive Stroke Center, a dedicated burn unit, and the UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center.

Future phases of the modernization plan will focus on renovating existing facilities, including the neonatal intensive care unit and emergency psychiatric services. Funding for the project includes a mix of internal capital, bonds, and private donations.

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