Patterson is moving forward with plans to build a hospital for the first time since 1998. The Del Puerto Health Care District has proposed a 39-acre development just west of downtown Patterson, which could see construction begin in 2035.
The project’s initial phase, scheduled for completion in 2028, would include new buildings for the current outpatient clinic and ambulance service. Future phases could add a medical office building adjacent to the hospital and senior care facilities at various levels. Plans also call for multi-story housing and retail shops designed to create a walkable neighborhood.
On December 8, the health care district board voted to submit detailed plans to the city of Patterson. The City Council will have final approval after public input.
Chief Executive Officer Karin Freese stated that construction costs are not yet determined but noted that a $27 million state grant has been secured for mental health services in the first phase. Additional funding may come from government sources, private investment, patient fees, and developer levies.
The district serves Patterson as well as Grayson, Westley, and Crows Landing. Since the closure of Del Puerto Hospital in 1998 due to financial challenges—including physician shortages and low occupancy—residents have relied on hospitals in Modesto and Turlock.
Stanislaus County Supervisor Channce Condit commented on the situation: “The West Side has severely lacked access to medical services since 1998… I think they are doing a great thing.” Condit added that this project aligns with his efforts to bring healthcare services to other parts of his district and mentioned potential funding from tribal governments interested in building casinos nearby.
If completed as planned, the new hospital would provide 25 acute-care beds—slightly more than its predecessor’s capacity—and reflect advances in medicine that allow more outpatient treatment.
Del Puerto Health Care District was established in 1946 through local property taxes approved by voters. The original hospital opened four years later with strong community support but ultimately closed when larger regional hospitals drew away patients.
Other healthcare providers such as Golden Valley Health Centers, Sutter Health, and Kaiser Permanente continue operating clinics within the district’s boundaries. However, Freese emphasized ongoing local need: “This project has been in conceptual development since Del Puerto Hospital closed in 1998, and we are now advancing the detailed budgeting and phasing plans.”
Currently, ambulance service continues while primary care is provided at a clinic near Interstate 5; most services operate during regular business hours with limited urgent care availability two evenings per week.
The proposed complex would be located on mostly vacant land bordered by Ninth Street and Sperry and Ward avenues—a short distance from downtown Patterson. The plan includes phased development: administrative offices and clinics by 2028; independent senior housing starting in 2030; additional assisted living options later; a medical office building by 2032; plus townhomes and commercial space along Las Palmas Avenue after 2028.
HDR Inc., an international design firm, created plans for Mission Revival-style buildings intended to complement Patterson’s historic architecture.
