A.O. Reed + UCSD Hillcrest Medical Center: Building the Future of Healthcare, One Phase at a Time

Project Snapshot

Client: UC San Diego Health
Project Name: UCSD Hillcrest Medical Center Phase I
Location: San Diego, CA
Completion Date: July 2025
Facility Size: 251,000 SF Outpatient Pavilion, 10-Level Parking Structure (1,850 stalls), 9,000 SF Central Utility Plant
Scope Highlights: 5 AHUs (300,000 CFM), VRF systems, VAVs, chillers, heat recovery chillers, cooling towers, steam system, specialized medical imaging/mechanical integration, 25,000 SF copper pipe installation

Built

Different

UC San Diego Health is undergoing a 15-year transformation of its Hillcrest Medical Center campus. Phase I—launched in November 2021 and completed in July 2025—delivered a 251,000-square-foot outpatient pavilion, a 10-level parking structure with 1,850 stalls, and a new 9,000-square-foot central utilities plant. A.O. Reed’s role in this design-assist project combined deep mechanical and plumbing expertise with precision installation to set the foundation for a new era of patient care.

Our Success

A.O. Reed & Co. successfully delivered the mechanical and plumbing systems for UC San Diego Health’s Hillcrest Medical Center Phase I, a cornerstone of the campus’s 15-year transformation. Our work included high-capacity HVAC, precision copper piping, and specialized systems for critical care spaces—all completed on schedule to support the July 2025 opening. This future-ready infrastructure sets the stage for expanded clinical services and long-term regional healthcare growth.

Built Different

“Design-assist delivery. Mission-critical systems.”

High-Volume Airflow

Installed 5 air handling units generating approximately 300,000 CFM to serve diverse outpatient services.

Advanced Mechanical Systems

Integrated VRF systems, exhaust fans, VAV terminal units, and specialized equipment for Bracky Therapy, LINAC, PetCT, CTAlpha, and MRIs (with quench vent).

Resilient Utilities

Installed full steam systems, chillers, heat recovery chillers, and cooling towers to support critical patient services with redundancy and efficiency.

Precision Copper Installation

Implemented A.O. Reed’s proprietary copper pipe rack installation method, enabling the placement of 25,000 square feet of pipe—including all water and medical gas systems—with speed and accuracy.

Built Better

“Healthcare-ready infrastructure for the next generation.”

‍Comprehensive Plumbing Systems‍

Installed water closets, lavatories, sinks, clinical sinks, medical gas systems, natural gas lines, domestic water heaters with storage tanks, sand oil interceptors, fuel fill stations for generators, and electric water heaters.

Specialized Medical Integration‍

Delivered plumbing and mechanical systems tailored for operating rooms, procedure suites, imaging suites, infusion therapy, and outpatient surgery.

Optimized Cancer Care‍

Enabled doubled infusion therapy capacity to meet growing demand for oncology services.

Seamless Delivery‍

Delivered on schedule, aligning with UCSD Health’s aggressive milestone of welcoming the first patients in July 2025.

‍

Built for What's Next

“Laying the foundation for a 15-year transformation.”

Future-Proof Capacity‍

Phase I infrastructure supports expanded specialty clinical programs including neurology, oncology, orthopedics, urology, maternal/fetal medicine, and more.

Integrated Utilities Plant‍

New 9,000-square-foot central plant ensures reliable power, heating, cooling, and redundancy to sustain continuous care.

Community-Centered Mission‍

Supports UCSD’s long-term goal of creating a premier academic health campus and lifelong wellness destination for San Diego.

Scalable Vision‍

Designed as the first step in a 15-year plan to increase healthcare capacity, accessibility, and resilience for the region’s growing population.

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A.O. Reed + UCSD Hillcrest Medical Center: Building the Future of Healthcare, One Phase at a Time

Built

Different

Our Success