Progress Updates - A Stronger Downstate

Implementation Updates

The Downstate Community Advisory Board (DCAB) proposal lays out a bold, multi-year transformation plan that aims to deliver a modern, state-of-the-art hospital to Central Brooklyn. This significant undertaking will require coordination and steady progress to achieve the long-term vision. In alignment with the commitment to community engagement and outreach, this page serves as a hub for updates on implementation milestones.

– UPDATED AS OF: March 2026 –

Construction Contract Approved for Demolition of Condemned, Out-of-Service Parking Garage on Future Hospital Annex Site

February 17, 2026 – Following a competitive procurement process, the construction contract for the demolition of the condemned, out-of-service parking garage on the future hospital annex site has been approved. This contract will allow for the clearing and readying of the site for the future hospital annex, which will include a state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery center to expand services in cardiology and oncology, following demolition of the garage.

Russo Development Enterprises, Inc., is a Woman-Owned Business Enterprise and will lead the demolition of the condemned parking garage to allow for the future construction of SUNY Downstate’s new hospital annex. SUNY is committed to maximizing participation by local contractors, including Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises. The project will be constructed with a project labor agreement in place.

This demolition contract approval follows the December 2025 announcement marking the beginning of the design phases for the two major projects to modernize facilities at SUNY Downstate’s Hospital, which includes prioritized renovations to modernize the existing hospital as well as the construction of the new hospital annex.

See Press Release: Governor Hochul Announces Major Milestone in Future of SUNY Downstate’s Hospital With Approval of Construction Contract

SUNY Downstate Hospital CEO Announced

February 17, 2026 – SUNY Downstate announced the appointment of Balavenkatesh Kanna, MD, MPH, FACP, FACHE as Chief Executive Officer of University Hospital at Downstate and Vice President of Hospital Affairs effective March 6, 2026. Dr. Kanna brings decades of healthcare leadership experience in academic medicine and large urban safety-net systems. He most recently served as Medical Center Director of the James J. Peters Bronx Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Throughout his career, Dr. Kanna has led institutions through meaningful operational and cultural transformation. At NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln Medical Center, he served in multiple senior leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer, Associate Chief Medical Officer, and Chief Patient Safety Officer. In these roles, he strengthened quality and regulatory performance, improved financial and operational stability, expanded access to care, and advanced patient safety initiatives while maintaining a clear focus on accountability, coordination, and community-based care.

As CEO, Dr. Kanna will advance implementation of the recommendations of the Downstate Community Advisory Board (DCAB), including the renovation and modernization of the existing Hospital, improving financial performance, as well as developing a new annex with a state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery center.

See Press Release: Downstate Welcomes Dr. Balavenkatesh Kanna as CEO of University Hospital

Organizational Leadership for Multi-Year Strategic Plan Implementation Kicked Off

February 2026 – Leaders from the SUNY Downstate Hospital and SUNY System Administration met in Brooklyn for the first meeting of the Steering Committee that will help guide and advance the SUNY Downstate Hospital Multi-Year Strategic Plan informed by the recommendations of the more than $1 billion proposal advanced by the Downstate Community Advisory Board (DCAB) and announced by the Governor.

The SUNY Downstate Hospital Multi-Year Strategic Plan is a significant undertaking and will require coordinated, sustained progress in multiple areas to achieve the long-term vision. Dedicated teams and focused workgroups will be convened, alongside continued stakeholder engagement and ongoing updates, to support this work. Key areas of activity include performance improvement, clinical service line planning, and design & construction planning and coordination.

Design Contracts Announced

A key component of the DCAB recommendations includes two major construction initiatives: renovating the existing Hospital and building a new Annex that will include an Ambulatory Surgery Center.

To advance this work, The State University Construction Fund (SUCF) – a public benefit corporation that manages design and construction for SUNY’s State-operated facilities, including SUNY Downstate hospital – issued two separate Request for Qualifications (RFQs) to interview and procure Architecture / Engineering teams for each project. These RFQs outlined the planning and design approach for prioritized renovations in the existing hospital and for the design and construction of a new hospital annex at the University Hospital of Brooklyn. The procurement process supported the selection of the most qualified Design Consultants to lead these planning and design efforts.

December 10, 2025 – Both design contracts have been approved by the New York State Office of the State Comptroller and have been announced:

WJL Architecture & Engineering DPC DBA Ewing Cole will lead the design work on the renovation project for the existing hospital.
Perkins Eastman Architects, DPC will lead the design work on the project to build a new hospital annex that will include an ambulatory surgery center specializing in cardiology and oncology.

The design phase of these critical projects will begin immediately.

See the press release: Governor Hochul Announces Design Phase Set to Begin for $1.1 Billion Investment at SUNY Downstate’s Hospital.

SUNY Downstate Virtual Town Halls

Following the release of the Downstate Community Advisory Board’s Final Report, a series of virtual town hall meetings were held to inform and engage the community about the recommendations. Each session included an overview of the recommendations and question and answer segment. Recordings of the town halls are available below.

Community Town Halls: Open to all interested members of the public.

SUNY Downstate Faculty & Staff Town Hall: Open to SUNY Downstate faculty, staff, and students.

View the SUNY Downstate Faculty & Staff Virtual Town Hall from June 5, 2025.