University of Kentucky Breaks Ground on Health Education Building

The University of Kentucky broke ground in October of 2023 on the $380 million Health Education Building in Lexington. Representing the largest academic development in the university’s history, the 500,000-sf facility will strategically collocate programs in medicine, public health, nursing, and health sciences. Approximately 77 percent of the space will be devoted to education and training, including 25 percent for teaching labs and classrooms, and 34 percent for simulation and experiential learning. Serving as a gateway to the medical campus, the technology-rich structure will also house the Center for Interprofessional and Community Health Education.

Designed by HOK and JRA Architects to foster transdisciplinary interaction and exchange, the collaborative project will provide flexible, student-centric spaces with shared hallways, classrooms, and labs. The adaptable facility will enable the university to significantly increase enrollment to address a nationwide shortage of health professionals while accommodating changes in curriculum for decades to come. Featuring vertical green terraces, the sustainable building will stand eight stories high on the north wing, with the south wing offering two additional floors. Turner Construction is acting as general contractor with occupancy expected in summer of 2026.