Hamilton Kahn

Assignment Editor

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —

With a goal of helping to alleviate the critical shortage of medical professionals in New Mexico, has plans for a 330,00-square-foot building that would double the class size to 800 and add 350 faculty.

The cost of the project is estimated at $600 million.

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Groundbreaking for the building site at Lomas and University boulevards is expected to happen this winter, followed by three phases.

Phase one in 2025 had architects design and plan the building, with administration, staff, and faculty working together to determine how to allot space, at a cost of $37 million.

Phase two's priority this year is to secure funding through public sources and private philanthropy for construction, while finalizing plans and design for the layout. Among the issues will be whether to have a vertical or horizontal design.

Phase three begins construction, with the new building finished and in use by 2030.

UNM Hospital greatly increased its ability to care for the elderly in October, when its Critical Care Tower began accepting patients.