Rudolph and Sletten Secures $960M UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Project
Tutor Perini Corporation , a recognized leader in civil, building, and specialty construction across the United States, announced that its subsidiary, Rudolph and Sletten, has been awarded a landmark contract valued at approximately $960 million. The contract, one of the most significant healthcare construction projects in California in recent years, covers the new UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in Oakland, California.
This award marks a pivotal moment in the long-standing partnership between UCSF Benioff and Rudolph and Sletten, a contractor known for its extensive experience in healthcare, life sciences, and institutional projects. The announcement signals not just a major milestone for the company but also a new chapter in the transformation of children’s healthcare infrastructure in the Bay Area.
A Major Healthcare Development in Oakland
The UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in Oakland has long been recognized as a critical provider of pediatric healthcare services, treating some of the most vulnerable patients in Northern California. With growing demand, evolving medical technologies, and the need for modernized facilities, UCSF committed to building a state-of-the-art new hospital campus.
The new facility will be designed to meet advanced healthcare delivery standards while improving patient experience, staff efficiency, and community access. Spanning approximately 277,500 square feet, the hospital will feature seven above-grade levels and a full basement level, accommodating specialized pediatric care units, advanced surgical suites, diagnostic imaging, and family-centered amenities.
Alongside the hospital, the project also includes construction of a separate parking garage with 269 spaces and a rooftop heliport deck, providing crucial emergency transport access. The heliport is expected to significantly improve the hospital’s trauma and critical care response times, ensuring that patients requiring immediate treatment can be transferred quickly and safely.
To prepare the site for construction, the project will involve the demolition of three existing structures and the installation of a site services trailer. These preparatory measures will ensure efficient coordination throughout the construction process, minimize disruption to ongoing hospital services, and create a safe environment for patients, families, and staff during the multi-year build.
Timeline and Project Execution
Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2025, with substantial completion anticipated by 2031. This extended timeline reflects both the complexity of healthcare construction and the precision required for integrating advanced medical technologies, sustainability standards, and seismic resilience—critical for any California-based infrastructure project.
The project’s addition to Tutor Perini’s backlog in the third quarter of 2025 underscores the strength of the company’s pipeline and highlights the healthcare sector as a significant contributor to future growth. Given the project’s scale and importance, Tutor Perini expects it to serve as a showcase of Rudolph and Sletten’s capabilities in delivering world-class healthcare facilities.
Rudolph and Sletten’s Healthcare Expertise
Founded in 1960, Rudolph and Sletten has established itself as one of the leading general contractors in the Western United States, with a portfolio spanning healthcare, biotech, education, and high-tech sectors. Its reputation is built on delivering technically complex projects under strict timelines while maintaining rigorous quality and safety standards.
The firm has previously partnered with UCSF on multiple projects, including the UCSF Mission Bay campus, which transformed into one of the country’s premier hubs for medical research and patient care. This track record of collaboration provides UCSF with confidence in Rudolph and Sletten’s ability to manage the Oakland Children’s Hospital project successfully.
Healthcare construction presents unique challenges compared to other building types. Facilities must accommodate advanced medical equipment, integrate infection control systems, ensure flexibility for evolving clinical practices, and comply with stringent regulations. Rudolph and Sletten’s experience in this highly specialized field gives it a competitive advantage, allowing it to deliver solutions that meet the highest standards of patient safety, efficiency, and comfort.
Impact on the Community and Region
Beyond its importance to UCSF, the new Benioff Children’s Hospital in Oakland will have far-reaching benefits for the local community. Serving as a critical regional hub for pediatric care, the hospital will expand access to specialized treatments and attract leading medical professionals to the Bay Area.
Additionally, the project is expected to generate significant economic impact. With a construction budget nearing $1 billion, it will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs throughout its six-year timeline, from skilled trades to professional services. Local suppliers, subcontractors, and service providers will play a vital role, further strengthening Oakland’s economy.
Once complete, the facility will also provide long-term benefits by enhancing the city’s reputation as a center of excellence for medical care, research, and innovation. Families in Oakland and surrounding communities will gain access to modern facilities that prioritize healing environments—spaces that are not only technologically advanced but also welcoming and supportive.
A Step Toward the Future of Healthcare Construction
The UCSF Benioff project also reflects larger industry trends in healthcare construction, particularly around sustainability, resilience, and innovation. California’s strict seismic codes require hospitals to be built with advanced structural systems, ensuring safety during earthquakes. At the same time, UCSF’s commitment to environmental responsibility means the new facility will likely incorporate sustainable design strategies, such as energy-efficient systems, water conservation measures, and environmentally responsible materials.
Another key element of the project is its patient-centered approach. Modern hospital design increasingly focuses on creating environments that reduce stress, support families, and improve patient outcomes. From natural lighting and green spaces to private patient rooms and family-friendly amenities, the new Benioff Children’s Hospital will embody these principles.
Tutor Perini’s Strategic Positioning
For Tutor Perini, the contract award is not only a financial win but also a strategic positioning move in the healthcare sector. With public and private entities investing heavily in healthcare infrastructure, projects like UCSF Benioff offer long-term growth opportunities. The company’s ability to secure such a prestigious contract underscores both its reputation and competitiveness in large-scale, complex construction projects.
Moreover, the award comes at a time when the construction industry faces challenges such as rising material costs, labor shortages, and tighter sustainability requirements. By winning this contract, Tutor Perini and Rudolph and Sletten demonstrate their resilience and capacity to navigate these challenges while delivering projects that meet client expectations.
