Construction continues to move forward across the Health Sciences Campus, moving toward a goal that hospital officials say will transform the campus into an oasis of innovative research and exceptional health care.

“This work is being done to ensure Keck Medical Center of USC remains a leader of cutting-edge research and world-class health care for generations to come,” said Tom Jackiewicz, senior vice president and CEO of Keck Medicine of USC. “It’s an exciting and historic time to be at Keck Medicine.”

After it was signed by Keck Medicine of USC patients and staff, the last steel beam was placed atop the building under construction.

After it was signed by Keck Medicine of USC patients and staff, the last steel beam was placed atop the building under construction.

As September ended, the last steel beam was placed atop the Norris Healthcare Center, which will stand near the corner of Alcazar and San Pablo streets. The new center will be dedicated to cancer treatment, with an ambulatory surgery center and a women’s cancer program, and it will feature several new dining options. Construction is scheduled for completion in December 2016.

Work also continues on a new parking structure and improvements that will beautify the campus and improve traffic.

An extra entrance to Keck Medical Center of USC will soon be available, with Norfolk Street being extended to Soto Street. A new signalized intersection is expected to be in operation by the end of this month.

The site will include the first of several new gateways to welcome visitors to Keck Medical Center. It is expected to finished by the end of December. Secondary gateways at the intersections of Eastlake Avenue and Alcazar Street and Biggy Street and Zonal Avenue are scheduled for completion by
January 2016, with two larger welcoming gateways to be completed at Alcazar and Soto streets by March 2016.

Construction of the new six-level, 1,200-space parking structure on San Pablo Street, near Valley Boulevard, is on track for completion by the end of this year. Spots in the parking structure will be shared with a new extended-stay 200-room Hyatt House hotel on the northeast corner of the San Pablo and Alcazar intersection. The hotel development will include 14,000 square feet of retail space, including a sit-down restaurant and 10,000 square feet of conference space. A 2017 opening is targeted.

A new student housing complex will stand south of the hotel. The complex will have 178 units with about 450 beds and is scheduled for occupancy in time for the fall 2016 semester. The ground floor will also include a new child care center for the campus, with capacity for 130 children.

— Douglas Morino

Lisa Hansen, who chairs the Board of the Norris Foundation and is the daughter of long-standing supporter Harlyne Norris, was among those who signed their names and added messages to the last steel beam before it was hoisted into place.

Lisa Hansen, who chairs the Board of the Norris Foundation and is the daughter of long-standing supporter Harlyne Norris, was among those who signed their names and added messages to the last steel beam before it was hoisted into place.