Construction Update: Exterior of Prebys Cardiovascular Institute Completed

Scripps Health today celebrated the completion of the exterior of the seven-story Prebys Cardiovascular Institute in La Jolla, and also named former San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders chairman of a campaign to raise about $60 million needed to pay for construction.

"With the completion of the exterior of the Prebys Cardiovascular Institute, we are one step closer to completing a center for innovation that will bring together leading physicians and premier cardiovascular services in San Diego," said Scripps president and CEO Chris Van Gorder. "And we are honored that Jerry Sanders, one of San Diego's most respected and dynamic leaders, has volunteered to serve as the chair of our capital campaign."

Developer and philanthropist Conrad Prebys, who made his fortune in real estate and construction, gave $45 million to kick-start the project and will be an honorary campaign chairman, Scripps said.

The 383,000-square-foot building on the hospital campus is due to open in two years. It will have 108 inpatient beds in private rooms, 59 intensive care beds, six state-of-the-art operating rooms and as many as six cardiac catheterization labs with advanced medical technology.

According to Scripps Health, the $456 million project is being financed through a combination of operating revenue, borrowing and donations. Approximately $120 million in philanthropic gifts have been provided toward the $180 million fundraising goal.

Sanders will lead the Campaign for Cardiovascular Care to raise the rest of the money. He served two terms as mayor until last December, and has since served as CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The institute will serve as a hub for cardiovascular care throughout the Scripps Health and Kaiser Permanente systems in San Diego County.

The building is the cornerstone of a 25-year plan to remake the Scripps Memorial campus to bring it up to earthquake standards.

—City News Service