Building for the Future: Baptist Health Breaks Ground on New Hospital in Sunrise

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.”

(Watch now: Baptist Health has broken ground on its first Broward County hospital, marking a milestone that executives say will bring innovative care closer to home for residents of Sunrise and the surrounding communities. Video by Dylan Kyle.)

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, 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.

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, with outdoor areas and walking paths open to residents.

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 and reduce dependence on traditional energy sources.

“This hospital will set a new standard for minimizing ecological impact,” Ms. Lopez-Blazquez said. “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 outpatient center in Plantation and a second outpatient medical center under construction in Pembroke Pines, expected to open in 2027.