Nevada’s First Stand-Alone Children’s Hospital to Begin Construction in 2026

Nevada is one step closer to building its first stand-alone children’s hospital as Intermountain Health, the Gardner Group, and the UNLV Research Foundation finalized a land lease for the project at the UNLV Harry Reid Research and Technology Park.

The facility, set to break ground in early 2026, will be the first in the state dedicated solely to pediatric care. With a planned capacity of 150 to 250 beds, the hospital will provide specialty services including oncology and cardiovascular care, eliminating the need for families to travel out of state for complex treatments.

The design phase, led by Shepley Bulfinch and Gensler, is underway and will continue through 2025. The hospital is projected to open by 2030.

The children’s hospital is part of a broader mission to improve child health statewide. “The hospital is one aspect of a comprehensive effort between Intermountain Health and passionate community partners to holistically improve the health and well-being of Nevada’s children,” said Mitch Cloward, president of Intermountain Health’s Desert Region.

UNLV interim President Chris Heavey noted, “We’re thrilled to play a role in bringing this important community asset to Southern Nevada and the UNLV Harry Reid Research and Technology Park.”

An economic impact study by Applied Analysis estimates the project will generate $724 million during construction and $841 million annually once operational.

Paul Umbach, founder of consulting firm Tripp Umbach, said the hospital will address a longstanding care gap: “Each year about 4,000 children leave Southern Nevada for health care elsewhere,” resulting in high out-of-pocket costs and lost wages for families.

Southern Nevada currently lacks a dedicated pediatric hospital, making it the largest metro area in the U.S. without one. The region also faces a critical shortage of pediatric specialists, with only 59.5 pediatricians per 100,000 children, according to the Tripp Umbach report.

Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft emphasized the dual benefits of the facility: “In addition to providing families with access to critical care, this hospital will help the region recruit needed skilled clinicians.”

The pediatric hospital will anchor a growing health and innovation corridor at UNLV’s tech park and support regional goals for health equity, clinical workforce development, and economic diversification.

Its integration with Intermountain Health’s broader network will also enable a statewide care model, with potential satellite partnerships to reach rural communities.

The LEED-certified facility will also incorporate child-friendly design elements, family support services, and programs for medical education and research in partnership with UNLV and other institutions.

For Nevada’s children and families, the project marks a new chapter in bringing world-class health care closer to home.

Origianlly reported by Grace Da Rocha in Las Vegas Sun.