California Construction News staff writer
UC Davis Health marked a major construction milestone Feb. 6 as its 14-story California Tower officially topped out, signaling completion of the building’s primary steel structure.
Project contractor McCarthy Building Companies Inc. used a tower crane to hoist the final steel beam into place during a ceremony at the Sacramento campus at 45th and X streets. Attendees signed the beam before it was lifted, following a long-standing construction tradition meant to bring good fortune and commemorate structural completion.
“A topping out is a chance for us to pause and recognize how far we’ve come,” said Mike Condrin, interim chief executive officer for UC Davis Health. “There’s still work ahead, but today shows our vision is becoming real.”
The $3.7 billion California Tower is the final component of UC Davis Health’s Vision 2030 campus plan. Once completed in 2030, the project will add about 1 million square feet of space to the Sacramento campus, expanding it from 3.6 million square feet to more than 7 million square feet.
The 14-story hospital and five-story pavilion will include new operating rooms, an imaging center and expanded pharmacy and burn care facilities. The tower also will add approximately 334 inpatient beds, aimed at easing pressure on the emergency department and addressing growing health care demand in the region.
UC Davis Chancellor Gary May, Vice Chancellor of Human Health Sciences Mark Rosenblatt and other leaders joined project partners and community representatives at the ceremony.
“Whether it’s cutting the ribbon at Aggie Square or celebrating the opening of the 48X complex, UC Davis is shaping the skyline in Sacramento and building the future of health care in our region,” May said.
Officials also highlighted a safety milestone, noting there have been zero safety incidents since construction began in 2024.
“This reminds us of what is possible when preparation meets purpose, and when teams come together to perform at the highest level,” said Jill Tomczyk, executive director of capital projects.
Jason Nietupski, vice president of Facilities Planning and Development, said Vision 2030 represents a long-term investment in staff and facilities.
“UC Davis Health’s staff, recognized as among the best in the country, deserve facilities that match their excellence,” Nietupski said.
Collaborators on the project include UC Davis Health Facilities Planning and Development and partners Cambridge CM, SmithGroup, Degenkolb Engineers, Schuff Steel, Pacific Erectors Inc., Conco Concrete Reinforcement, Olson & Co. Steel Inc. and Maxim Crane Works.
The California Tower is scheduled to open to patients in 2030.
