LAS VEGAS (The Center Square) — Nevada families won’t have to cross state lines for critical children’s care much longer. Intermountain Health has confirmed its partners for the state’s first stand-alone children’s hospital, scheduled to open in 2030 in Las Vegas’ Spring Valley neighborhood.

The health system announced it will work with PENTA Building Group and Jacobsen Construction on the long-anticipated project, which will break ground in 2026 on a 34-acre site within the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Research and Technology Park.

"This is the first step toward our partnership with our community to bring this long-needed, stand-alone children’s hospital to Las Vegas," said Mitch Cloward, president of Intermountain Health’s Desert Region, when the site was unveiled last October.

PENTA Building Group, well-known for major projects on and off the Strip, was chosen for its deep local ties. The company recently helped relocate the iconic Mirage casino archway to the Neon Museum. Jacobsen Construction, headquartered in Salt Lake City, is no stranger to pediatric facilities either, having worked on Intermountain Health’s children’s hospital in Lehi, Utah.

"It was vital for us in the contractor selection to bring both ingenuity and craftsmanship along with the aspect of homegrown Nevada connections," said Lawrence Barnard, president of the Nevada Children’s Hospital. "The Nevada Children’s Hospital is poised to be state-of-art, welcoming families close to home with the compassionate service for which Intermountain is known."

The 200-bed facility will provide advanced services in specialties like pediatric oncology and cardiovascular care — treatments that often require Nevada families to travel hundreds of miles today.

"As a local Las Vegas contractor, we see this as more than just another construction project; it’s an opportunity to be part of something amazing that is going to make Southern Nevada a better place for our families and friends," said PENTA President and CEO John Cannito.

Jacobsen Construction described the new hospital as a “truly once-in-a-generation project.”

Addressing a Long-Standing Gap‍

Nevada has long ranked among the states with the fewest pediatric specialty beds per capita. The new facility aims to change that by keeping patients and their families close to home during critical treatments.‍

Economic Boost‍

Construction alone will generate hundreds of local jobs, and once open, the hospital will require a sizable medical workforce, creating high-paying roles for specialized pediatric nurses, doctors, and support staff.

Regional Impact‍

The 200-bed hospital is expected to serve families from across Southern Nevada and potentially neighboring states, reducing pressure on out-of-state children’s hospitals.‍

Community Commitment‍

Intermountain Health already operates 80 clinics in Southern Nevada and serves about 350,000 residents — but until now, families have needed to travel out-of-state for many complex pediatric procedures.

Next Steps‍

Groundbreaking is set for 2026, and site preparation work — including infrastructure and utility improvements — is expected to start well before then.

Broader Investment‍

Nevada leaders say projects like this highlight the need for continued investment in healthcare infrastructure as the state’s population grows.

Originally reported by Liam Hibbert in The Center Square.