University officials are considering the construction of a shared University of Nebraska-Lincoln facility that would house the University Health Center and the Lincoln division of UNMC’s College of Nursing.
UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman and UNMC Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., emphasized that the shared facility discussion is preliminary.
The project would benefit both universities, as UNL has been working to replace the outdated health center facility and UNMC is developing plans for a new Lincoln building. It could also expand collaboration between the two University of Nebraska campuses, create more shared student experiences, increase educational opportunities, improve campus health options, and allow for cost savings.
Cost of the proposed facility has not yet been estimated. A possible site has been identified immediately south of UNL’s Beadle Center, just west of Antelope Parkway near 19th and Vine streets.
If constructed, occupancy would come as early as summer 2017.
Cost for the College of Nursing portion of the building will remain as originally planned at $17.5 million — with $12 million provided through the Nebraska Legislature and $5.5 million coming from private and other donors. Omaha philanthropists Ruth and Bill Scott provided the lead gift and challenged others to join them in this effort.