Connecticut Children's Celebrates Grand Opening Of Landmark Clinical Tower

Hartford, Conn. - December 4, 2025 - Connecticut Children's today celebrated a historic milestone with the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art clinical tower, marking the largest expansion in the organization's history and redefining the future of pediatric health care in the region. Health system leaders, government officials, donors, care teams, families, and community members gathered on the tower lawn for a ribbon cutting ceremony and tour of the 8-story building-an innovative, child-centered space designed to deliver expert and compassionate care in a healing, welcoming environment.

The new tower features a private-room Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, a comprehensive Fetal Care Center, sensory-friendly design, imaginative wayfinding artwork, new gift shop, kitchen and dining areas and technology-enabled spaces that make care safer, smoother, and more supportive for families.

"This day represents far more than a new building-it is a new chapter in the story of Connecticut Children's," said Jim Shmerling, DHA, FACHE, President & CEO of Connecticut Children's. "Every inch of this space was designed for kids and the families who love them. The new tower in downtown Hartford is the result of years of planning, partnership, and perseverance. To our donors, our Hartford community partners, and our team across more than 30 locations and three states-thank you. You have built far more than a tower. You have built a promise that will carry our health system and the care we provide beyond imagination."

The project is the culmination of two and a half years of construction, thousands of planning hours, and extensive collaboration with patients, families, architects, clinicians, team members, and our Hartford neighbors. The tower incorporates whimsical, locally inspired art and nature themes; open-air terraces and meditation spaces; real-time safety technology; a seamless car-to-care experience; and sustainable design features such as donor recognition walls created from upcycled trees once located on the hospital's front lawn.

"This tower is the future of pediatric healthcare in motion-a blend of thoughtful design, operational excellence, and compassionate care," said Bob Duncan, MBA, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Connecticut Children's. "From our private NICU rooms to advanced fetal care services, from selfie walls to our sensory-inclusive elevators, this building redefines what it means to care for both body and mind. It allows us to serve more children, closer to home, and sets a new standard for pediatric care in Connecticut."

The celebration included remarks from Governor Ned Lamont, who emphasized the tower's significance for Connecticut's families and the state's commitment to advancing children's health.

"Connecticut Children's has always been a cornerstone of innovation, compassion, and expertise," said Governor Lamont. "This new tower strengthens that foundation and ensures that the children of Connecticut-no matter where they live-have access to the best care in a space designed specifically for them. Today's opening is a proud moment for our state and a major investment in the future of our kids."

"This tower stands not just in Hartford, but with Hartford," said Mayor Arunan Arulampalam. "Connecticut Children's has shown what it means to be a true community partner and families across our city and state will feel the impact of this investment for generations to come."

One of the most emotional moments came from Jesse Costa, a grateful mother who shared her family's connection to Connecticut Children's. "When my son, Junior, needed care, this was the place that gave us hope," Costa said. "Walking through this new tower today, I see a place where parents can breathe again-a place filled with light, compassion, and the very best care. Families like mine will never forget the difference Connecticut Children's made for us and continues to make for so many other families."

The building's whimsical touches-including "flying submarine" elevators, interactive walls, selfie stations, themed floors inspired by Connecticut wildlife, and a towering illuminated Tree of Life in the tower's two-story glass atrium-reflect a belief that childhood wonder has a healing power all its own. These features, combined with advanced clinical spaces and improved access, deliver an unmatched experience for patients and families.

"As we look to the future, this tower positions us to expand access, advance research, strengthen our workforce, and continue serving as the state's only independent pediatric health system," said Dr. Shmerling. "We are ready for what comes next-and the future of Connecticut's children has never looked brighter."

About Connecticut Children's

Connecticut Children's is the only health system in Connecticut 100% dedicated to kids. That means high-quality care across more than 30 pediatric specialties in 30+ locations throughout Connecticut, Eastern New York and Western Massachusetts. One team on a mission to improve access to healthcare from before birth and into adulthood. One team pushing the limits with breakthrough research and community partnerships so we can help you focus on what matters most: your family's wellness journey. When you choose Connecticut Children's, you can expect care beyond imagination.