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San Mateo County has completed a decade-long, $217 million rebuild of its public hospital focused on seismic safety and accessibility ahead of the new year.
On Friday, community leaders gathered to celebrate the hospital’s grand reopening, calling it a significant investment in public health and the upgrade of a facility that serves tens of thousands of residents.
The rebuild aimed to replace two 1950s-era buildings that no longer met California seismic standards: the original hospital structure and the Health Services building. Today, a single, more accessible site remains, offering medical care, social services, and administrative offices.
“The expansion of the San Mateo Medical Center campus reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering world-class health care,” said Mike Callagy, county executive officer. “Our message to the community is simple: we see you, we hear you, and we are committed to delivering the health care and supportive services you deserve.”
Located on 37th Avenue in San Mateo, the hospital campus hosts San Mateo Medical Center, the Public Health Laboratory, the County Coroner’s Office and other social and administrative services. San Mateo Medical Center serves residents who are uninsured, underinsured, or otherwise unable to access private health care systems.
“Every improvement made here expands access for the people who rely on us most,” said Colleen Chawla, chief of County Health. “This project ensures that our public hospital and other safety-net programs can continue to support our local community safely and effectively for decades to come.”
The improvements include renovations to about 35,000 square feet of the hospital and accessibility upgrades. Some of the hillside slope of the campus’ exterior was leveled to help with wheelchair mobility and walking. An additional 250 parking spaces have also been added to soothe traffic on nearby streets.
Parking stalls compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act have been doubled to 66, and 44 electric-vehicle charging stations are now available at the site. The new main entrance on 37th Avenue is adjacent to a bus stop, and for every tree removed in the project, four are being planted.
The $217 million project was financed by a lease revenue bond issued by the County in 2018.
“We know that many members of our community are not feeling safe right now,” San Mateo Medical Center Board President Noelia Corzo said. “It moves me to think about the care they will get when they walk through these doors.”
