AdventHealth lays groundwork for new Denver metro hospital

AdventHealth unveiled plans to become the first health care provider to build a medical campus in The Aurora Highlands, a 4,000-acre master planned community south of Denver International Airport.

The new medical campus will be a dual-phased initiative that starts with the construction of the AdventHealth Aurora Highlands Emergency Room (ER) and medical office building, followed by future plans to expand into an acute care hospital.

The first phase of the project will involve an investment of $81 million to develop an 88,000 square-foot facility located just south of The Aurora Highlands Parkway exit on E-470. The three-story building will include:

• A freestanding emergency room with eight exam rooms, two trauma exam rooms, and a helipad
• An outpatient imaging center with CT, ultrasound, and x-ray on day one, with plans to add MRI in the future
• Clinic space on the 2^nd floor with 27 exam rooms
• The 3^rd floor will be shelled space for future clinic growth

The AdventHealth Aurora Highlands ER will use geothermal energy to heat and cool the building, helping reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption.

AdventHealth has signed the U.S. Health and Human Services Health Sector Climate Pledge, committing to reduce emissions from onsite operations and purchased electricity by 50% in 2030.

The AdventHealth Aurora Highlands ER expects to care for the first patient in September 2026. When the campus opens, it will be considered a department of AdventHealth Parker.

“The Aurora Highlands is one of the fastest-growing areas in the Colorado market,” said Michael Goebel, CEO of AdventHealth Parker and AdventHealth Aurora Highlands ER. “Right now, the closest emergency room is at least nine miles away. This facility will not only provide whole-person care closer to home but will keep families from having to fight traffic to get the care they need.”

Phase 2 of the project will include expanding into a Level III trauma hospital. The Aurora Highlands neighborhood is expected to grow by nearly 40% in the next 10 years, and AdventHealth looks forward to growing with the community.

“AdventHealth’s arrival at The Aurora Highlands marks an exciting milestone for our growing community,” said Carla Ferreira, CEO and Principal Developer of The Aurora Highlands. “This state-of-the-art facility will provide convenient access to world-class healthcare while creating valuable jobs that support the growth and vitality of the region. We are thrilled to welcome AdventHealth to The Aurora Highlands as we continue building a connected, thriving place where people can live, work and flourish.”

This expansion is part of AdventHealth’s commitment to caring for our communities, and we look forward to Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ to the northeast Denver metro area.