August 23, 2024Updated:January 28, 2026

January California Tower Update: Peek behind the construction fence

(SACRAMENTO)

The California Tower is rising fast at UC Davis Health, and January’s progress offers the clearest glimpse yet of the future hospital taking shape beyond the construction fence.

Now a prominent feature along Highway 50, the tower is moving from blueprint to skyline with striking speed. Slated for completion in 2030, the project will deliver a 14‑story hospital tower and a 5‑story pavilion designed to expand access to advanced care, accelerate medical research and strengthen health equity across Northern California. With cutting‑edge technology, modern patient spaces and hundreds of new jobs on the horizon, the California Tower reflects UC Davis Health’s bold commitment to innovation and the communities it serves.

January Highlights: A Month of Visible Milestones

Significant structural work reached key milestones in January, giving employees and passersby a dramatic look at the tower’s progress. Among the major accomplishments:

Primary structure steel erection: Complete
- The core structural frame is now fully in place, defining the tower’s footprint and height.
Secondary structure steel erection (helipad, penthouse and more): 45% complete
- Crews are actively building out the essential upper‑level components.
Slab on metal deck:
- Levels 2–6: Complete
- Level 7: 10% complete
Slab on grade (basement): Complete
- This foundational concrete work solidifies the base for key utilities and support systems.
Level 1 cast‑in‑place deck: 15% complete
- Concrete placement is underway to form the main public level of the tower.
Interior rough‑ins:
- Level 2: Starting
- Mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems are beginning to take shape inside.
Perimeter and shaft fireproofing:
- Levels 2–3: 90% complete
- Fire protection systems continue to progress floor by floor.

Looking Ahead: What’s Coming in February

February’s construction schedule reflects the same momentum, with crews preparing for another month of major activity across multiple work fronts:

Secondary structure steel erection:
- Progress to 80% complete, including the helipad and penthouse areas.
Slab on metal deck:
- Levels 2–7: Full completion targeted
- Level 8: 90% complete
Level 1 cast‑in‑place deck:
- Advancement to 40% complete
Interior rough‑ins:
- Level 2: 65% complete
Perimeter and shaft fireproofing:
- Levels 2–3: Complete
- Level 4: 75% complete

A Tower Built for the Future

As construction accelerates, the California Tower is becoming a defining symbol of UC Davis Health’s dedication to excellence, innovation and community impact. Each beam placed and each floor poured brings the region one step closer to expanded access, improved patient experience and state‑of‑the‑art facilities that will support generations to come.