Baptist Health has broken ground on its first Broward County hospital, marking a milestone that will bring innovative care closer to home for residents of Sunrise and the surrounding communities.

 

The new Baptist Health Sunrise Hospital represents more than a geographic expansion; it reflects Baptist Health’s vision for the future of healthcare delivery, combining cutting-edge technology with compassionate care.

 

With ceremonial shovels in hand, community leaders joined Baptist Health executives to launch construction on the facility, an investment expected to cost more than $500 million.

 

“This project demonstrates Baptist Health’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality medical services throughout South Florida,” said Bo Boulenger, president and CEO of Baptist Health. “It is a pivotal moment. This facility addresses the needs of a rapidly growing community while advancing medical excellence.”

 

A Strategic Vision for the Future of Healthcare

Baptist Health Sunrise Hospital is being built on an undeveloped 26-acre parcel of land where Oakland Park Boulevard meets the Sawgrass Expressway. The facility is expected to welcome patients in 2029.

 

The property, purchased from the City of Sunrise, is just north of Amerant Bank Arena, home of the Florida Panthers. The seven-story, 340,000-square-foot facility has been designed as a fully integrated digital environment where artificial intelligence, robotics and seamless connectivity converge to enhance patient outcomes.

 

“This is more than just a hospital; it’s a commitment to the health, sustainability and future of Sunrise and the surrounding areas,” Mr. Boulenger said. “As the communities it serves grow, the hospital is designed to expand along with them.”

 

Embracing Tomorrow’s Technology From the Start

The facility is designed for 100 inpatient beds, including 10 critical care beds. A 30-bed Emergency Department will have three triage areas, leveraging digital tools that enhance safety, coordination and rapid response capabilities.

 

A 25,000-square-foot medical office building will house an array of medical services, creating a comprehensive campus. A five-story parking garage, specially designed to serve as a visual and sound buffer for the surrounding neighborhood, also is planned.

 

Bo Boulenger Headshot

Bo Boulenger, president and CEO of Baptist Health

 

Baptist Health Sunrise Hospital will feature AI-enabled clinical systems to help caregivers make faster and more precise decisions. It also will have advanced robotic-assisted surgical capabilities across four modern surgical suites, with room for expansion. The hospital’s infrastructure has been purposefully designed with adaptability in mind.

 

“The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and we work to be ahead of that evolution through research and technology,” said Ana Lopez-Blazquez, Baptist Health executive vice president and chief strategy officer, and CEO of Baptist Health Enterprises. “By continuing to integrate cutting-edge platforms, systems, robotics and AI-integrations, we are able to better support our patients and streamline our workflow.”

 

In addition to emergency and inpatient services, the facility will be fully integrated with Baptist Health’s extensive network of specialty services, including cancer care, cardiovascular care, orthopedic care, and brain and spine care.

 

Thoughtful Design Inside and Out

The innovation extends beyond clinical technology to environmental leadership and operational resilience.

 

Critical infrastructure — including backup power systems, site elevation that exceeds requirements, water storage and reinforced structural elements — will enable the hospital to maintain seven days of self-sufficient functioning during disaster events such as hurricanes. This built-in resilience ensures the facility can serve the community when it’s needed most.

 

The 26-acre site also features a dedicated commitment to environmental stewardship. Approximately 15 acres have been designated as a conservation easement, protecting existing wetlands. Lush landscaping plans will create a gentle transition to surrounding neighborhoods. Residents will be welcome to enjoy the outdoor areas and walking paths.

 

 Ana Lopez-Blazquez, Baptist Health executive vice president and chief strategy officer, and CEO of Baptist Health Enterprises

 

The hospital will be Florida’s first all-electric medical facility, significantly reducing its carbon footprint and positioning it to operate on 100 percent renewable energy in the future. Integrated solar panels will help generate clean power, further reducing dependence on traditional energy sources.

 

“This hospital will set a new standard for minimizing ecological impact,” Ms. Lopez-Blazquez noted. “Baptist Health recognizes that the environment plays a crucial role in patient recovery and overall well-being and has integrated this philosophy into every aspect of the campus design.”

 

Here for the Growing Community

Baptist Health has been caring for the residents of Broward County for more than a decade through a wide range of medical services, including a modern health and wellness outpatient center in Plantation with integrated care such as orthopedics and sports medicine, cardiology, cancer care, urgent care and an ambulatory surgery center. A second outpatient medical center is under construction in Pembroke Pines and expected to open in 2027.

 

In addition, Baptist Health operates seven urgent care centers, five dedicated diagnostic facilities and more than a dozen local physician practices throughout Broward. As a dedicated community partner, it has collaborated with many Broward County youth, health and community groups that make a difference in the lives of residents every day.

 

The new Baptist Health Sunrise Hospital is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the area, creating more than 600 jobs once it is fully operational. More than 3,000 Baptist Health employees already call Broward County home.

 

“We are proud to bring exceptional healthcare to the people of Sunrise as we build our first hospital in Broward County,” Mr. Boulenger said. “We’re creating another beacon of hope and healing designed to serve the community for years to come.”

 

As a mission-driven nonprofit organization, Baptist Health has a rich 85-year history of serving South Florida from the Florida Keys to Palm Beach County.