Gov. Kathy Hochul on Tuesday, Feb. 17, announced that the next major phase of the $1.1 billion investment to modernize facilities at the State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University (SUNY Downstate) Hospital in Central Brooklyn can move forward with the approval of a construction contract for the demolition of a condemned, out-of-service parking garage.
Hochul said the contract will allow for the site to be cleared and prepared for the future hospital annex, which will include a state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery center to expand services in cardiology and oncology, following the demolition of the garage.
“Every New Yorker deserves access to high-quality medical care,” Gov. Hochul said. “Through the demolition of this out-of-service garage, the new hospital annex will be able to be built, and real progress will be made in providing higher-quality services and support for the Brooklyn community.
“This is an essential step forward in the modernization of SUNY Downstate’s hospital, and I am thrilled that we are moving full speed ahead,” she added.
Hochul said this demolition contract approval follows the December 2025 announcement marking the beginning of the design phases for the two major projects to modernize facilities at SUNY Downstate’s Hospital.
Hochul said this demolition contract approval follows the December 2025 announcement marking the beginning of the design phases for the two major projects to modernize facilities at SUNY Downstate’s Hospital.
She said the $1.1 billion investment will repair and upgrade infrastructure, modernize inpatient rooms, and expand the emergency department, in addition to constructing a new hospital annex on the current condemned garage site.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “SUNY Downstate is a vital health care and academic institution for the Brooklyn community. We thank Gov. Hochul and the State Legislature for investing in SUNY Downstate, and the community input that has contributed to moving this project forward, so New Yorkers throughout Brooklyn can continue to access the high-quality medical care they deserve.”
The SUNY Board of Trustees said, “Thanks to strong support and investment by Gov. Hochul and the State Legislature, and following extensive community engagement, SUNY Downstate is moving forward so it can continue serving the Brooklyn community for generations to come. We are grateful to Governor Hochul for her continued investment in SUNY and our hospitals.”
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University President Dr. Wayne J. Riley said, “Today’s announcement moves us from planning to action. The removal of the existing structure, which has reached the end of its useful life, clears the way for construction of a modern hospital annex that will expand ambulatory surgery, strengthen cardiology and oncology services, and modernize care delivery in Central Brooklyn.
“This investment reflects a clear commitment to building a stronger Downstate that delivers the high-quality care our patients and community expect and deserve,” he added.
New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Gov. Hochul’s commitment to investing in New York hospitals is helping build healthier communities in every corner of our state.
New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Gov. Hochul’s commitment to investing in New York hospitals is helping build healthier communities in every corner of our state.
“Every New Yorker deserves access to high-quality care,” he added. “This modernization and expansion of SUNY Downstate will ensure the facility can provide meaningful, high-quality services in the Brooklyn community for generations to come.”
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) President Mary E. Sullivan said, “SUNY Downstate’s workers have long been the backbone of health care in Central Brooklyn, often delivering exceptional care in aging facilities.
“Moving forward with this project is critical not only for patients, but for the dedicated staff who need safe, modern, fully supported workplaces,” she added. “CSEA is committed to ensuring this investment translates into real improvements for workers and the community alike.”
“Moving forward with this project is critical not only for patients, but for the dedicated staff who need safe, modern, fully supported workplaces,” she added. “CSEA is committed to ensuring this investment translates into real improvements for workers and the community alike.”
Public Employees Federation (PEF) President Wayne Spence said, “For more than a year, PEF worked alongside Brooklyn clergy and fellow unions to secure a commitment to the future of SUNY Downstate and the professionals who serve there.
“We are encouraged to see real progress and thank Gov. Hochul and the Legislature for moving forward with critical infrastructure upgrades that will allow PEF members to continue delivering world-class healthcare to the Central Brooklyn community,” he added.
State Sen. Zellnor Myrie said, “SUNY Downstate has been a cornerstone of healthcare for Central Brooklyn for decades, and this transformative investment highlights the hospital’s importance for our community’s health and wellbeing.
“I commend Gov. Hochul for moving forward with this construction contract and for her commitment to implementing the community-driven recommendations of the Downstate Community Advisory Board,” added Myrie, representative for the 20th Senate District in Brooklyn, whose grandmother hailed from Jamaica. “As we break ground on this new chapter, we are ensuring that Central Brooklyn residents have access to the quality healthcare they deserve, delivered in facilities that reflect the dignity of our community.”
Assembly Member Latrice Walker, representative for the 55th Assembly District in Brooklyn, said, “This is exciting news for Central Brooklyn. The contract approval and the start of demolition of the garage to build a new hospital annex are significant signs of progress.
“I look forward to sharing the news with the constituents of my district who rely on this essential hospital,” she added. “It has been a worthy battle to get this far, but I can almost see the finish line — thanks to advocates, community leaders, SUNY leadership, lawmakers, union leaders, and members of the medical and faith communities.
“And I would like to thank Gov. Kathy Hochul for her leadership on this project. Together we can deliver on the promise of a modern emergency department, infrastructure upgrades, and a state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery center specializing in cardiology and oncology,” Walker continued. “This is a victory for communities of color in Central Brooklyn, who no doubt agree that the quality of care should not be determined by one’s zip code.”
Assembly Member Brian A. Cunningham, the son of Jamaican immigrants, said, “Out with the old and in with the new. I am very excited to hear that SUNY Downstate will move forward with the demolition of the condemned parking garage to make way for the new state-of-the-art hospital annex.
“This new annex will create well-paying jobs for members of our community and will be a strong next step in the renovation of SUNY Downstate,” added the representative for the 43rd Assembly District in Brooklyn. “I remain committed to working with community members, stakeholders, and senior leadership to ensure
