University of Minnesota Breaks Ground on New Community-University Health Care Center

University of Minnesota leaders and state officials held a groundbreaking ceremony in May for a new Community-University Health Care Center in Minneapolis, marking the expansion of the state’s first and longest-running community health center, founded in 1966. The new facility, twice the size of the current clinic, will accommodate an additional 36,500 patient visits over the next decade and enhance care delivery for low-income residents, refugees, and immigrants, who collectively speak over 55 languages. The center provides medical, dental, and mental health services, including pediatric care, midwifery, and psychiatry, alongside social services like financial navigation and food support. The expansion will introduce on-site pharmacy services, physical therapy, and imaging, addressing gaps in current offerings. The clinic also serves as a major training site for 175 residents and students from the University’s medical, dental, pharmacy, public health, and social work programs, with plans to expand training in physical therapy, radiology, and pharmacy. Dr. Carol Bradford, Interim Dean of the University of Minnesota Medical School, emphasized the center’s role in fulfilling the university’s mission of community-centered care and training future health professionals. Funding for the $45 million renovation and expansion comes from the University of Minnesota, a $20 million capital campaign by the University of Minnesota Foundation, and Twin Cities philanthropic support. The project is designed by HGA and will be constructed by JE Dunn Construction, with the current clinic remaining open during the construction period, expected to conclude by July 2027. The center is jointly governed by the university and a community board, ensuring patient representation shapes service delivery. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, the facility guarantees accessible, affordable care regardless of patients’ ability to pay. The new building will strengthen research partnerships between community members, healthcare providers, and researchers to advocate for and improve community health outcomes.