STATE COLLEGE — According to a Mount Nittany Health press release, the Mount Nittany Medical Center broke ground on a new patient tower in May 2023 with an estimated occupancy date in December 2026.

The tower includes:

10 floors, 300,000 square feet

168 private patient rooms

Enhanced healing environment with indoor and outdoor reflection

Respite and amenity spaces for patients and staff

Advanced communications technology for patients and staff

Convenient access to outpatient services like lab, imaging, medical and speech therapy

Enhanced dining and food service preparation

Convenient parking deck

Mount Nittany Health Marketing and Communications Manager Jessica Kinney said the Whiting-Turner Contracting Company oversees the construction of the $350 million project.

Christopher Hester, MD, the chief medical officer of the Mount Nittany Physician Group, said, “The board and the senior leadership at Mount Nittany and all involved are really committed to trying to provide the best patient experience for the patients of Centre County and improve the access for their care in Centre County and the surrounding regions that the hospital serves.”

Hester added that expanding facilities and attracting new talent to the area make it possible for Mount Nittany Health to provide the best patient experience and care.

According to a Mount Nittany Health press release, design development for the project began in August 2022. Stantec is the architecture firm on record for the project.

A November 2024 press release announced the placement of the final structural beam for the project, with an estimated construction completion date of summer 2026.

Hester stated that, “the board as well as the executive leadership team and then other key persons within the organization, wherever that may be,” decide what projects to take on.

Hester added that the decision-making process is “largely dependent on the community needs and where it’s felt that expansion and/or growth is needed to continue to provide the services.”