Lexington, Kentucky, October 21, 2025
News Summary
The University of Kentucky is set to construct the largest academic facility on campus, the Michael D. Rankin MD Health Education Building, covering 509,000 square feet. Expected to be completed by Spring 2027, the building will support programs in Medicine, Public Health, Health Sciences, and Nursing, accommodating up to 1,200 additional students. Funded by $430 million from the Kentucky General Assembly, the initiative aims to address the healthcare workforce shortage in the state and enhance healthcare access.
Lexington, Kentucky — The University of Kentucky is making significant strides in enhancing its campus with the construction of the Michael D. Rankin MD Health Education Building, the largest academic facility on the UK campus. Covering 509,000 square feet, the building is taking shape at the intersection of University and Huguelet drives and is projected to be completed by Spring 2027.
Once finished, the facility will serve as a home for critical programs from the colleges of Medicine, Public Health, Health Sciences, and Nursing. It will also accommodate the Center for Interprofessional and Community Health Education. This expansive building aims to address the growing need for healthcare providers in Kentucky, including physicians, nurses, and other health professionals.
The Kentucky General Assembly allocated $430 million for this transformative project in 2022, which includes $250 million in state bonds. Construction received approval from the UK Board of Trustees in June 2023, with work officially commencing in October 2023.
The new building is expected to increase UK’s training capacity by up to 1,200 students, contributing significantly to tackling healthcare challenges in the state, especially in rural areas facing a shortage of healthcare access. Many families in Kentucky currently travel long distances for medical services, highlighting the urgent need for improved healthcare infrastructure.
The design of the Michael D. Rankin MD Health Education Building features shared hallways, classrooms, and labs that promote collaboration and knowledge sharing among students. This approach is aimed at fostering interprofessional education and enhancing the overall learning experience.
In addition to the new health education building, the University of Kentucky is undertaking several other major construction projects. These include extensive renovations to White Hall, Pence Hall, and Scovell Hall. The renovation of White Hall, which is budgeted at $75 million, will include new lecture halls and classrooms, with an expected completion date of Fall 2026. Pence Hall is undergoing a $32 million renovation scheduled for completion by Fall 2025, while Scovell Hall is being renovated with a budget of $70 million.
Alongside these projects, UK HealthCare is planning a $4.4 billion expansion that will include new facilities and inpatient beds, including a 70,000-square-foot Markey Cancer Center set to open in 2027. Additionally, a new residence hall is under construction, which is projected to be completed by August 2026 and will provide approximately 649 beds.
The ongoing developments reflect the University of Kentucky’s commitment to addressing the healthcare workforce shortage and building a robust infrastructure to support its growing enrollment and the demand for off-campus housing. Through these initiatives, the university aims to create a more efficient healthcare system within the state, ultimately leading to better outcomes for communities across Kentucky.
FAQ
What is the Michael D. Rankin MD Health Education Building?
The Michael D. Rankin MD Health Education Building is currently under construction on the University of Kentucky campus and is designed to be the largest academic facility on the UK campus, covering 509,000 square feet.
Where is it located?
It is located at the intersection of University and Huguelet drives.
When is the expected completion date?
The expected completion date is Spring 2027.
What colleges will the facility house?
The facility will house programs from the colleges of Medicine, Public Health, Health Sciences, and Nursing.
What is the budget for this project?
The Kentucky General Assembly allocated $430 million for the project in 2022, including $250 million in state bonds.
When did construction start?
Construction commenced in October 2023.
How will this building impact healthcare training capacity?
The building aims to increase training capacity for UK by up to 1,200 students.
What other construction projects are underway at UK?
Additional major construction projects at UK include renovations to White Hall, Pence Hall, and Scovell Hall, alongside a planned $4.4 billion expansion by UK HealthCare.
Key Features of the Michael D. Rankin MD Health Education Building
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Area | 509,000 square feet |
| Location | University and Huguelet Drives |
| Completion Date | Spring 2027 |
| Programs Included | Medicine, Public Health, Health Sciences, Nursing |
| Capacity Increase | Up to 1,200 students |
| Funding | $430 million (including $250 million in state bonds) |
| Construction Start Date | October 2023 |
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: University of Kentucky Construction News
- Wikipedia: University of Kentucky
- Turner Construction: University of Kentucky Health Education Building
- Google Search: University of Kentucky Health Education Building
- Kentucky Today: UK Health Education Building Progress
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Health Care
- Construction Dive: Turner’s $225M Contract
- Google News: University of Kentucky Expansion
- Global Construction Review: UK Health Education Building by Turner Construction
- Kentucky.com: UK Major Construction Projects
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