McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., in partnership with Scripps Health and HGA Architects, has completed the highly anticipated Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, Tower II. The new 10-story, 418,500-square-foot acute care tower at 9888 Genesee Avenue represents a $664 million investment in the future of healthcare for the Southern California region.

This marks the latest phase in a more than 15-year partnership between McCarthy and Scripps Health. The new tower directly connects to Tower I—also built by McCarthy in 2014—and brings with it 170 licensed inpatient beds, a rooftop helistop, nine operating rooms, three interventional radiology suites, and expanded services including imaging, emergency care, and neonatal intensive care.

In early June, women’s and infant care services officially transitioned to the new facility, positioning Tower II as a regional destination for labor and delivery, postpartum recovery, and neonatal care.

“This project represents the culmination of more than 15 years of collaborative work on this campus,” said Chris Delgado, Project Director at McCarthy. “We’re incredibly proud to have helped deliver a facility of this caliber — one that not only enhances patient care but also reflects the strength of the relationship we’ve built with Scripps over the years.”

McCarthy delivered general contracting services over the 52-month construction period, leveraging in-house self-perform crews for concrete work, underground utilities, and mapping. The team also upgraded the existing Central Energy Plant to support increased demand, adding critical systems such as new generators and chillers.

The facility features innovative construction methods, including California’s first use of a bolted side plate structural steel system on a Department of Health Care Access and Information project—reducing both labor costs and welding time. Precast exterior panels accelerated the building enclosure process, while the interior layout was optimized for efficient staff and patient movement.

Despite construction challenges during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, McCarthy and its more than 100 employees, alongside 500 trade partners, remained committed to safety and seamless coordination with hospital operations.

The project’s completion was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on campus, highlighting a transformative step forward for Scripps Health in delivering world-class, patient-focused care.
Tower II’s opening strengthens Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla’s role as a critical medical hub in Southern California. The expansion supports the area’s growing population while addressing the increasing need for advanced inpatient services, emergency care, and specialized women’s and neonatal care.

The facility's design reflects a deep understanding of modern healthcare delivery, emphasizing clinical efficiency, operational resilience, and patient comfort. Its integration into the existing campus demonstrates thoughtful long-term planning, ensuring continuity of care without disruption.

This milestone also reinforces McCarthy’s position as a leader in complex healthcare construction. The company’s innovative use of prefabrication, structural steel advancements, and real-time collaboration strategies continue to set industry benchmarks. With more than 8,000 employees nationwide and a presence in every major construction market, McCarthy remains a trusted partner in delivering mission-critical infrastructure that elevates communities.

For more on McCarthy’s healthcare expertise, visit www.mccarthy.com.

Originally reported by McCarthy.