DULUTH, Minn. — The University of Minnesota is requesting funding to design and build a new academic health care center affiliated with its Duluth campus and located in downtown’s burgeoning medical district.
The University of Minnesota said in a news release that it’s collaborating with Essentia Health and St. Luke’s to provide a larger health care workforce to “address the needs of Duluth, Greater Minnesota and local Indigenous populations.”
As a part of the university’s 2022 comprehensive legislative request, it is asking for $12 million for the design phase.
“This opportunity is in line with our land-grant mission and our continued commitment to Greater Minnesota and the Duluth region, specifically. We are thankful for the opportunity to discuss how academic medicine, including training and clinical research, can enhance the great care provided to Minnesotans in the region,” said Dr. Jakub Tolar, dean of the University of Minnesota Medical School.
The new building would be built in close proximity to Essentia and St. Luke’s. Mayor Emily Larson said during a Thursday news conference that its exact location is still being determined, but St. Mary’s Medical Center is a potential location. Essentia Health announced last week that St. Mary’s will be demolished once its new $900 million hospital is complete. St. Luke’s is also in the process of redeveloping its entire campus.
“This is proof that we are leaders for health care technology and innovation and proof that people want to be here, and the more opportunity we give them to be here, our population grows, our vision grows bigger, and we can make the best use and purpose of this in the city of Duluth,” Larson said.
If the proposal is approved, design could begin this summer. U President Joan Gabel said in the news release that the goal is to have the new building completed as early as fall 2025.
“The University of Minnesota is committed to expanding our capacity to provide world-class care for Minnesotans in Greater Minnesota,” Gabel said. “Through this important partnership, we are amplifying the university’s impact and contribution to communities by creating new space for classrooms, specialty labs, student life and beyond.”