Parnassus Heights Monthly Construction Update | April 2026

By Maricella Miranda on

About This Monthly Construction Update

UCSF Real Estate shares Parnassus Heights construction updates each month to keep the UCSF community informed about major milestones, ongoing work, and construction impacts. This update reflects activities and anticipated work for April 2026. Dates and details are subject to change. 

April 2026 Highlights
  • HDH: Superstructure Work Begins
  • PCCSI: SON Building Demolition Completed in April 2026
  • BRAB: Building Exterior Completed on Upper Levels

UCSF Health Helen Diller Hospital

To serve the city with world-class care for the next century, UCSF is constructing the UCSF Health Helen Diller Hospital (HDH). The 15-story hospital at the Parnassus Heights campus is under construction with completion expected by 2029, followed by activation and first patient in 2030. 

Learn More About the HDH Project

Wide view of the HDH construction site at UCSF Parnassus Heights showing foundation work, including a covered pier cap, slab areas with vapor barriers, and partially built foundation walls.
Overall view of the Helen Diller Hospital (HDH) site, showing final foundation work.

Superstructure Work Begins on the HDH Site

Construction at the Helen Diller Hospital (HDH) is is reaching a major milestone as the project transitions from foundation work to early stages of vertical construction.

In April, a series of morning concrete pours will support the completion of the foundation and basement levels. At the same time, structural steel deliveries and installation are expected to begin in late April, feeding the two tower cranes that will assemble the new structural steel system.  

This work will include crane activity, particularly near the existing Long Hospital, where the team is planning for the safe installation of steel adjacent to the building. As construction progresses upward, you will see crane operations, hear intermittent metal-on-metal sounds during steel placement, and observe continued work along Medical Center Way to maintain safe access.

 

 

Photos: Safety Netting Installation and Load Testing Along Medical Center Way

In March 2026, crews began installing protective debris netting along Medical Center Way, which will remain in place through approximately 2028 as vertical construction of the new hospital progresses. On March 21, the project team successfully conducted a load test of the safety netting system. During the test, a worker suspended in a basket from one of the project’s tower cranes dropped weighted materials onto the netting to verify it meets required performance standards. This specialized safety test has been conducted only a limited number of times in the United States.

 Installation of the netting is expected to be complete in June 2026.

View of protective debris netting installed above Medical Center Way at UCSF Parnassus Heights as part of the HDH construction safety measures.
Sample of the protective netting system installed over Medical Center Way to support safe pedestrian and operational access during HDH construction.
View of a structural frame above a sidewalk along Medical Center Way at UCSF Parnassus Heights, designed to support a covered pedestrian walkway during HDH construction.
A structural frame was installed to support a future covered pedestrian walkway along Medical Center Way during HDH construction.
What to Expect During Construction | HDH Project
  • Morning Concrete Placements (April 2026)
    • Scheduled pours on April 21 and 30 to support continuous concrete operations.
  • Structural Steel Installation and Crane Activity (April 2026 and ongoing)
    • Expect crane activity, including operations near the existing Long Hospital (initial impacts anticipated around April 24, 2026).
    • Potential for metal “clanging” and noise as steel is set into place.
    • Intermittent crane air horn use.
  • Medical Center Way (MCW) Netting and Lane Adjustments (Now - June 2026)
    • Protective netting is being installed above Medical Center Way to maintain safe access along this critical path of travel during ongoing construction.
    • Weekday lane shift planned to support installation activities.
  • Dates and details are subject to change. 
Photos | HDH Construction as of April 2026
Delivery of large structural steel box columns at the HDH construction site at UCSF Parnassus Heights, staged for installation in the building basement.
Delivery of box column steel from Mexico arrives on site for installation in the Helen Diller Hospital (HDH) basement.
Construction workers installing rebar over a yellow vapor barrier and waterproofing layer for a basement slab at the HDH site at UCSF Parnassus Heights.
Crews install reinforcing steel for a basement slab over a vapor barrier and waterproofing system at the Helen Diller Hospital (HDH) site.
Construction view of early steel and reinforcing work in the HDH chiller room at UCSF Parnassus Heights, with concrete being placed to form a below-grade tank.
Structural steel installation in the chiller room, with reinforcing and concrete work underway to form a below-grade tank at the Helen Diller Hospital (HDH) site.

UCSF Barbara and Gerson Bakar Research and Academic Building

Construction is underway at Parnassus Heights for the UCSF Barbara and Gerson Bakar Research and Academic Building (BRAB), a state-of-the-art facility that will create a vital collaborative space driving innovations in scientific research and education. BRAB will house the UCSF School of Nursing and research programs for cancer, microbiology, diabetes, immunology, and cell biology. BRAB is expected to be completed in 2027, with activation in 2028.

Learn More About the BRAB Project

Exterior view of the BRAB building showing curtain wall installation completed up to Level 9 on the north elevation at UCSF Parnassus Heights.
Curtain wall installation on the north side of the Bakar Research and Academic Building (BRAB) progressed to level 9 as of April 2026.

Building Exterior Completed on Upper Levels as Interior Work Intensifies

Work on the Bakar Research and Academic Building (BRAB) continues to advance across both the exterior façade and interior buildout, with activity expanding across multiple levels of the building. The project remains focused on completing critical research spaces while progressing the exterior curtain wall installation.

The curtain wall installation on the upper levels, floors 5-9, was completed in April 2026. At the same time, installation is beginning to wrap down to lower levels (levels 2–4) along the Parnassus-facing side and around the west elevation. This phased approach reflects the project’s sequencing priorities, with levels 5–9 identified as critical path areas due to the complexity of the research space buildout.

Inside the building, construction activity is now underway on all floors, with significant progress on level 10. Ongoing work includes mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) rough-in, fireproofing, elevator pit framing, and continued interior system installation.

Along Parnassus and Fourth avenues, crews have begun utility work using swing shifts to support upcoming connections, with permanent utilities anticipated to begin later in summer 2026. As exterior façade work progresses, particularly on the south side, some previously noticeable construction activity, such as lift movement and equipment beeping, is expected to decrease.

Work within the adjacent Clinical Sciences Building (CSB) also continues in coordination with BRAB construction. Fire-rated window replacement on levels 6 and 7 is ongoing through June 2026, with façade restoration work scheduled to begin in May 2026. 

Clinical Sciences Building (CSB) Construction for BRAB
  • April 2026: Temporary elevator impacts, including level 7 being taken out of service, during portions of the work.
  • Now – June 2026: CSB occupants on floors 5-7 can expect intermittent noise and vibration during window removal and installation on levels 6 and 7. This date was extended due to unforeseen site conditions. The whole partial renovation of the space in CSB on level 7 is expected to be completed in December 2026. The UCSF community can find more information in the March 12, 2026, Construction Impact Message. (MyAccess required).
    • The week of April 20: Noise impacts expected during the installation of fire-rated windows on levels 6 and 7.
    • The week of April 27: Noise impacts expected during construction on level 2 on the west side of CSB to support occupant relocations from level 7.
  • Now – December 2026: A partial renovation of the Clinical Sciences Building (CSB) is scheduled on the west and north sides of level 7, where the building connects to BRAB. The new space will accommodate future research activity and program connectivity between the two buildings. A bridge from CSB to BRAB is also under construction.  
What to Expect During Construction | BRAB Project
  • Exterior Façade and Curtain Wall Installation (Ongoing)
    • Continued installation on upper levels, with transition to lower levels (levels 2–4) along Parnassus Avenue and the west sides
    • As work progresses, some construction noise and lift activity are expected to decrease, particularly on the south side
  • Interior Buildout and Systems Installation (Ongoing)
    • Active work on all floors, including Level 10
    • Ongoing MEP rough-in, fireproofing, and elevator pit framing may result in typical interior construction noise
  • Utility Work with Swing Shift Hours (Ongoing)
    • Utility installation along Parnassus and Fourth Avenues is occurring during shifts through April 10.
    • Expect intermittent construction activity for underground utility work along Parnassus Avenue between Third and Fourth avenues. Traffic control and pedestrian rerouting will occur as needed.
    • Work includes piping installation and backfilling, with a small crew and lower noise levels compared to daytime construction
  • Equipment Deliveries and Hoisting (Upcoming Weeks)
    • Planned Saturday deliveries and hoisting activities to support interior buildout
  • Morning Deliveries (Ongoing)
    • Weekly morning deliveries (typically Tuesday or Wednesday) for façade materials
    • Ongoing façade and equipment deliveries are being staged from Koret Way. Koret Way remains restricted to pedestrians, with intermittent access between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
  • Traffic and Pedestrians Around the BRAB Site  
    • Traffic flaggers are positioned at Parnassus Avenue at Fourth and Third avenues to support safe inbound and outbound construction deliveries. Also, flaggers are monitoring traffic on Koret Way for the project.
  • Dates and details are subject to change. 
Photos | BRAB Construction as of April 2026
South view of the BRAB building at UCSF Parnassus Heights, showing exterior façade installation and active construction progress in April 2026.
South-facing view of the Bakar Research and Academic Building (BRAB) showing ongoing exterior façade and construction progress as of April 2026.
Interior view of BRAB Level 6 at UCSF Parnassus Heights showing overhead MEP systems installation and active construction of interior spaces.
Interior construction on level 6 of the Bakar Research and Academic Building (BRAB), showing ongoing buildout and overhead mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) installation.
Exterior view of the BRAB building at UCSF Parnassus Heights showing curtain wall installation completed through Level 9 on the north elevation.
Curtain wall installation on the north side of the Bakar Research and Academic Building (BRAB) has been completed up to Level 9 as of April 2026.

Parnassus Central Campus Site Improvements‌

UCSF is embarking on an important endeavor to create a welcoming space that will lead to the “heart of campus” at Parnassus Heights. The Parnassus Central Campus Site Improvements (PCCSI) program, also known as Parnassus Commons, will provide extensive site improvements in the central core of the Parnassus Heights campus at the former School of Nursing building site. The project is expected to be completed in 2027.

Learn More About the PCCSI Project

Northwest view of the former School of Nursing building demolition site at UCSF Parnassus Heights, showing cleared site conditions and ongoing underground infrastructure work in April 2026.
Northwest view of the former School of Nursing building demolition site, where site clearing is complete and underground infrastructure work is underway as part of the Parnassus Commons improvements.

SON Building Demolition Complete as Underground Infrastructure Work Advances

The Parnassus Central Campus Site Improvements (PCCSI) project is entering a key transition, with final demolition activities at the School of Nursing (SON) building recently completed in April 2026 and underground infrastructure work continuing across the site. 

Now utility trenching is underway west of the Health Sciences West (HSW) tower toward the Clinical Sciences Building (CSB), with intermittent jackhammering during excavation activities and above-ground utility routing at a utility yard south of HSW (known as the Hooper Pad). Crews are actively trenching for chilled water, fire water, and domestic water systems, and have implemented a temporary above-ground bypass line to maintain service while permanent connections are completed. Intermittent noise from jackhammering bedrock and machinery should be expected in adjacent buildings (HSW and CSB). This work will occur in varying noise levels rather than continuous noise.

Work is also underway to install a new 54,000-gallon fire water tank near the Clinical Sciences Building. Excavation is ongoing, with large soil stockpiles visible on site, followed by upcoming concrete work to support the tank and surrounding structural elements.  

In adjacent areas, minor demolition and reconfiguration work at the Campus Support Services Building (CSSB) is underway, including a walkway, a permanent shoring wall, and building modifications to support the future promenade and campus improvements. 

Video: School of Nursing Building Demolition (20 seconds)
New Emergency Exit Route for Clinical Sciences Building 

Occupants in the Clinical Sciences Building (CSB) have a new route to take during an emergency as of April 7, 2026. The new exit route will lead occupants from an exterior stairway on the south side of the building eastward through the former School of Nursing building site, which is now the Parnassus Central Campus Site Improvements (PCCSI) project site, out the construction gate, around Saunders Court, and up the curved path to Koret Way.  

The change will support minor demolition and reconfiguration work within and around the Campus Support Services Building (CSSB), previously known as the Rad Lab.

Impacts and Mitigations | New Exit Route for CSB

  • As of April 7, 2026, the Clinical Sciences Building (CSB) has a new emergency egress route.
  • The new route is for emergency use only and will lead occupants from an exterior stairway on the south side of the building eastward through the former School of Nursing building site, which is now the project site, out the construction gate, around Saunders Court, and up the curved path to Koret Way.
  • Maps of the new emergency exit will be posted in CSB. 
Map showing the updated emergency egress route for the Clinical Sciences Building at UCSF Parnassus Heights, directing occupants around Saunders Court to Koret Way.
Updated emergency egress route for the Clinical Sciences Building (CSB), effective April 7, 2026, showing the new path around Saunders Court to Koret Way.
What to Expect During Upcoming Utility Insulation Installation 

In addition to noise and vibrations, the UCSF community may notice a fine white material in areas near the utility trench work for the PCCSI project, which is located south of the Clinical Sciences Building and west of the Health Sciences West tower and Saunders Court. The white material is gilsulate, an insulation material that will be installed around underground chilled water and utility piping. During placement, the material can appear as a light white dust or film on nearby surfaces.  

It is non-toxic and part of standard construction work. The PCCSI project team will continue to monitor conditions and share updates to keep the UCSF community informed on what they are seeing and why it is present. 

Koret Way Closed with Intermittent Pedestrian Access

Koret Way will remain closed Monday through Friday, with intermittent pedestrian access, as a safety precaution during construction activities for the UCSF Real Estate capital project. A traffic coordinator manages vehicle gate access on Koret Way during normal business hours, and UCSF Facilities Services manages access after hours. Any future access changes along Koret Way will be communicated to the UCSF community. 

Table showing intermittent pedestrian access on Koret Way from 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., Monday through Friday.
What to Expect During Construction | Parnassus Commons for April 2026
  • Noise and Vibration (Ongoing)
    • Construction activity may result in noise and vibration in these buildings:
      • Clinical Sciences Building (CSB)
      • Health Sciences East and West (HSE and HSW)    
      • Ray and Dagmar Dolby Regeneration Medicine Building (IRM)  
      • ‌Medical Sciences Building (MSB)  
      • Koret Hall (Koret Vision Center)  
      • ‌‌And possibly other nearby buildings adjacent to Saunders Court.  
    • Earplug stations are available in CSB, MSB, and HSE/HSW to help reduce noise impacts.
    • Dust control and environmental monitoring are in place throughout construction.
    • Sound-dampening strategies are used on equipment where feasible.
  • April – July 2026: Fire Water Tank Installation
    • Ongoing excavation and preparation for installation near CSB
    • Upcoming concrete work for the tank and structural support elements
    • Visible excavation and soil stockpiles in the area
  • Utility Trenching and Temporary Bypass (Ongoing)
    • Active trenching for chilled water, fire water, and domestic water systems
    • Installation of a temporary above-ground bypass line to maintain service continuity
  • Work Near Health Sciences West and Clinical Sciences Building (Ongoing)
    • Construction behind Health Sciences West (HSW) and the Clinical Sciences Building (CSB) to install new system components, including pumps
    • Future removal of older infrastructure once new systems are operational
  • Ongoing: CSSB and Promenade Area Work
    • Expect minor demolition and reconfiguration activities within and around the Campus Support Services Building (CSSB), previously called the Rad Lab.
    • Changes to walkways and building areas to support future campus improvements
  • Access, Circulation, and Construction Hours (Ongoing)
    • Koret Way access remains closed for pedestrian safety, with intermittent openings for pedestrians as construction operations and truck deliveries continue on the roadway.
    • New emergency egress route for CSB occupants. See above for details.
    • Pedestrian access remains open on the east side of Saunders Court.
    • Always follow posted signage.
  • Communication and Support Resources
    • Research impacts: [email protected]
    • Operational impacts: [email protected] or contact your supervisor/manager  
    • Departments experiencing disruptions may request assistance identifying alternative workspace options.
  • Additional Information
    • Stay tuned for the Q2 town hall in May for additional updates.  
    • For the UCSF Community: A PCCSI Virtual Town Hall (February 25, 2026) is available for viewing (MyAccess required). The UCSF community will soon be invited to the next PCCSI town hall, 12:05-12:30 p.m., May 13, 2026.
    • Dates and details are subject to change.
Site map of the PCCSI project at UCSF Parnassus Heights highlighting construction areas, work zones, and access routes as of April 2026.
Map of the Parnassus Central Campus Site Improvements (PCCSI) project area as of April 2026.
Graphic showing the construction schedule for the PCCSI project, including major phases such as demolition, infrastructure work, and site improvements over time.
Timeline of key construction phases and milestones for the Parnassus Central Campus Site Improvements (PCCSI) project.
Photos | Parnassus Commons Construction as of April 2026
Image of the cleared former School of Nursing site at UCSF Parnassus Heights, showing an open construction area with demolition complete and site preparation underway.
View of the former School of Nursing building site following demolition, showing cleared conditions as crews prepare for underground infrastructure work as part of the PCCSI project.
Overhead view of utility infrastructure near Health Sciences West at UCSF Parnassus Heights, showing above-ground pipes, equipment, and active construction work supporting campus utility upgrades.
View of utility infrastructure work near Health Sciences West (HSW), showing above-ground piping and active systems supporting ongoing trenching and utility upgrades as part of the PCCSI project.
Construction crew using an excavator to dig and move soil near the Clinical Sciences Building at UCSF Parnassus Heights, preparing the site for fire water tank installation.
Excavation work is underway near the Clinical Sciences Building (CSB) to prepare for the installation of a new fire water tank as part of the PCCSI project.

Other Construction Updates