In a move poised to transform cancer care access in central and southern Utah, Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) at the University of Utah has officially broken ground on a second Comprehensive Cancer Center. The ambitious project, located in Vineyard, marks a major milestone in the institute’s mission to bring advanced treatment and research closer to patients outside the Salt Lake City metro area.

Spanning 272,000 square feet, the state-of-the-art facility is scheduled to open in fall 2028 and will serve as a vital hub for cancer care, research, early detection, and education in one of Utah’s fastest-growing regions.

“This new location brings comprehensive cancer care closer to the communities we serve,” said Mary Beckerle, Ph.D., CEO of Huntsman Cancer Institute. “We will advance innovative research and train the next generation of scientists and health workers.”

Designed to Relieve Patient Burden

For thousands of patients in Utah County and nearby rural areas, the new center represents more than just geographic convenience — it’s a significant step toward equitable care. In 2024 alone, over 40,000 patient visits to HCI came from the region, with many individuals traveling more than an hour each way to reach Salt Lake City.

By situating a full-service facility in Vineyard, HCI aims to reduce that travel burden while enhancing the continuum of care available to local residents. The new center will include multidisciplinary clinics, radiation oncology, cancer imaging, infusion services, a pharmacy, and an acute care clinic, along with wellness and early detection programs. Importantly, the building will also be designed to accommodate future research labs and educational collaborations with local universities.

A Landmark Investment in Regional Cancer Care

The project is the largest single investment in Huntsman Cancer Institute’s history, with a total value of $400 million. It was launched with a $75 million matching gift from the Huntsman Family Foundation. Additional funding has been secured from the State of Utah, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and several private donors.

The investment underscores the community-wide commitment to addressing cancer as a public health priority — and making cutting-edge care available across all of Utah, not just its capital.

Integrated into a Larger Vision

The new cancer center will be part of the Utah City development, a long-term regional project designed to integrate health care, education, commercial, and residential spaces. The architectural vision for the center was crafted by Architectural Nexus, with Sasaki handling landscape design. Layton Construction has been selected to lead construction efforts.

With the new site, HCI will continue to serve as the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the Mountain West, an area that spans five states. This designation signifies HCI’s leadership not only in patient care but also in research, innovation, and training.

Strengthening the Fight Against Cancer in a Growing Region

As Utah experiences rapid population growth, health care needs are expanding just as quickly. Officials at HCI say the new center is part of a long-term strategy to scale up services and increase capacity to meet those needs — especially in underserved communities.

The Vineyard facility will not only extend HCI’s geographic reach but also offer advanced clinical trials and diagnostic tools to patients who previously had limited access. The infrastructure will support training partnerships with local universities, ensuring that Utah remains a pipeline for the next generation of cancer researchers and medical professionals.

With a focus on both patient care and future innovation, the new Huntsman Cancer Institute location signals a major shift in how — and where — Utahns fight cancer.

Originally reported by Gus Iversen in Health Care Business News.