Parnassus Heights Monthly Construction Update | May 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 May 2026. Dates and details are subject to change. 

May 2026 Highlights
  • Helen Diller Hospital: Concrete and structural steel progreses
  • Bakar Research and Academic Building: Curtain wall installation advances
  • Parnassus Commons: Utility infrastructure and fire water tank construction continues

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

Construction progress showing the ceiling space for the future Sterile Processing Department and the structural floorplate above for the new Emergency Department at Helen Diller Hospital.
Ceiling space for the new Sterile Processing Department and the floorplate above for the new Emergency Department take shape at Helen Diller Hospital on May 13, 2026.

Concrete, Structural Steel Progress and Medical Center Way Safety Improvements

Helen Diller Hospital (HDH) is being designed with resilient utility infrastructure, including the ability to provide onsite drinking water, fire suppression water, and wastewater storage in the event underground utility lines are disrupted during a seismic event. Over the coming weeks, crews will begin constructing these underground storage tanks within the basement area adjacent to Parnassus Avenue.

Structural steel installation continues to progress for the new hospital, with ongoing deliveries and continued work related to Medical Center Way (MCW) protection netting. The steel installed over the next month will continue to create the ceiling space for the new Sterile Processing Department in the basement; as well as the floor plate for the new Emergency Department at the same level as Parnassus Avenue.

The HDH site is expected to have 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, in addition to crane operations, you will hear intermittent metal-on-metal sounds during steel placement and observe continued work along Medical Center Way to maintain safe access. 

What to Expect During Construction | HDH Project | May 2026
  • Concrete Basement Walls
    • Crews will work to complete concrete walls that define the basement.  
  • Structural Steel Installation and Crane Activity
    • Expect crane activity and steel placement near the existing Long Hospital.
    • Potential for metal “clanging” and noise as steel is set into place.
    • While many of the steel connections are bolted, there will be some welding required. Avoid staring at the welding operations; similar to avoiding staring at the sun – this protects your eyes.
    • Intermittent crane air horn use.
  • Medical Center Way 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.
    • Weekend closures continue. During closures, only emergency and authorized transport vehicles may pass.
  • Dates and details subject to change. 
Extended Hours Expected for HDH Structural Steel Erection 

The HDH project is in the early stages of vertical construction which is expected to continue through summer 2027. During this phase, extended work hours are required to support two critical activities: structural steel erection and above-grade structural concrete work. The construction team is making every effort to carry out preparation work carefully and efficiently, with the goal of minimizing extended hours as much as possible.

Structural Steel Erection: Extended work hours are necessary to maintain continuous thermal control during welding operations. The welding of super-large structural steel columns is a safety-critical activity that cannot be interrupted without increasing the risk of permanent structural defects.

Structural Steel project work hours (Monday – Saturday):
  • 5:00 – 8:00 a.m. “not noisy” work
    • Site setup and pre-heating large seismic-resistive steel columns in preparation for welding them together.
    • “Not noisy” general structural steel work.
  • 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. “noisy” work
    • “Noisy” general structural steel work begins – steel deliveries, erection of the steel framework, installation of metal decking, and stair placement.
  • 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. “not noisy” work
    • “Not noisy” general structural steel work finishes.
    • Cooling large seismic-resistive steel columns, site breakdown. 
Photos | HDH Construction as of May 2026
Workers install steel rebar and wooden concrete formwork inside a large excavation at the HDH construction site at Parnassus Heights, surrounded by retaining walls and the Mount Sutro landscape under a clear blue sky.
Crews continue structural foundation and retaining wall installation at the HDH site, with reinforced rebar, concrete formwork, and excavation support systems taking shape across the project area.
Large plumbing piping materials staged at the Helen Diller Hospital construction site during a delivery for ongoing utility infrastructure installation.
Major plumbing piping materials are delivered to the HDH site in May 2026.
Workers in perform foundation and structural steel work inside a large excavation at the HDH site. Steel beams, rebar assemblies, and retaining walls surround the site, with a red construction crane and adjacent building visible under a clear blue sky.
Construction activity continues at the HDH site at Parnassus Heights as crews install structural steel, reinforced concrete elements, and foundation systems within the excavation adjacent to the existing campus building.

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

View of the BRAB construction site as seen from the Dolby Regeneration Medicine Building, showing active construction areas, structural elements, equipment, and nearby campus buildings under daylight conditions.
A view of the BRAB construction site from the Dolby Regeneration Medicine Building highlighting ongoing development, structural progress, and surrounding campus activity.

Curtain Wall Installation Advances as Interior Buildout Continues

Exterior curtain wall installation and interior buildout activities continue to advance across the Bakar Research and Academic (BRAB) project. Current work includes lower-level curtain wall installation, wall framing, fireproofing, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) installation, and preparations for future site improvements.

Recently, the BRAB project team successfully hoisted three large emergency generators to Level 10 as penthouse buildout activities continue for future research space on the floor. The project remains focused on completing critical research spaces while progressing the exterior curtain wall installation.

In the coming weeks, exterior façade installation work is expected to continue as crews begin installing flashing caps along the building exterior. The building’s façade is expected to be fully installed by summer 2026.

As early as July 2026, permanent underground utility installation is scheduled to begin on Parnassus Avenue near Fourth Avenue. Traffic impacts are expected. More details about traffic supports during this work will be shared when finalized.  

What to Expect During Construction | BRAB Project
  • Exterior Façade and Curtain Wall Installation (Ongoing)
    • Continued installation on lower levels 2–4 along 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
  • Utility Work with Swing Shift Hours (July 2026)
    • Permanent utility installation along Parnassus between Third and Fourth avenues during shifts is scheduled to start as early as July 2026.
    • Expect intermittent construction activity. Traffic control will be onsite during this work to support safety for pedestrians and vehicles.
    • Work includes piping installation and backfilling, with a small crew and lower noise levels compared to daytime construction
  • Morning Deliveries (Ongoing)
    • Expect weekly morning deliveries (typically Tuesday or Wednesday) for façade materials into summer 2026.
    • 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.
Updated Dates: Width of Walkway to Dental Center Temporarily Reduced

From May 30 to July 4, 2026, a portion of a walkway is scheduled be reduced to 4 feet, 6 inches wide from Parnassus and Fourth avenues to the UCSF Dental Center building, 707 Parnassus Ave. The reduction is needed to install a new storm drain adjacent to construction fencing for the UCSF Barbara and Gerson Bakar Research and Academic Building (BRAB) and the Dental Center walkway. The walkway will be temporarily reduced for saw-cutting, trenching, storm drain line installation, backfill, and asphalt patching. The fence will return to its original location upon completion.

What to Expect During Construction
  • May 30 – July 4, 2026: A 70-foot section of construction fencing along the BRAB site will be temporarily shifted to support the installation of a storm drain and will reduce the width of a walkway to the Dental Center building from Parnassus Avenue.
  • A clear path of 4 feet, 6 inches will be maintained for the walkway during the temporary reduction. The fence will be returned to its original location upon completion.
  • Dates and details are subject to change.
Clinical Sciences Building (CSB) Construction for BRAB

Now – June 2026: CSB occupants on floors 5-7 can expect intermittent noise and vibration during window installation on levels 6 and 7. 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).

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.   

Photos | BRAB Construction as of May 2026
View of the BRAB construction site showing progress in the upper and lower register areas, including active structural work, building systems installation, and surrounding construction activity as of May 19, 2026.
Construction progress on the BRAB project’s upper and lower register areas as of May 19, 2026, highlighting ongoing structural and infrastructure development across the site.
Construction crews perform mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-in work inside the BRAB project site, with exposed piping, conduit, ductwork, and structural elements visible during active installation.
Ongoing MEP rough-in work at the BRAB construction site highlights the installation of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems supporting the building’s infrastructure development.
Construction workers install generator equipment on the BRAB building penthouse, with rooftop mechanical systems, structural framing, and active construction operations visible during infrastructure installation.
Crews continue generator installation work on the BRAB penthouse level, supporting critical building infrastructure and ongoing systems integration across the project.

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

View of the PCCSI construction site as seen from the Dolby Regeneration Medicine Building, featuring active construction areas, structural elements, equipment, and surrounding campus landscape under daylight conditions.
A view of the PCCSI construction site from the Ray and Dagmar Dolby Regeneration Medicine Building showcasing ongoing structural and site development activity across the project area.

Utility Infrastructure and Fire Water Tank Construction Continue 

Construction activities for the Parnassus Central Campus Site Improvements (PCCSI) project continue across the central campus area as crews advance utility infrastructure work, fire water storage tank construction, and future site preparation activities supporting west campus development. Following the completion of the School of Nursing demolition earlier this spring, work is now focused on utility installation connecting Health Sciences West (HSW), the Clinical Sciences Building (CSB), and the new UCSF Barbara and Gerson Bakar Research and Academic Building (BRAB).  

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 the continuous noise. Current utility routing activities continue near a utility yard, known as the Hooper Pad area, and throughout the project site as crews install infrastructure that will support future campus systems and long-term site improvements. Utility infrastructure work is expected to continue through October 2026.

Construction of the underground fire water storage tank south of CSB also continues and is expected to be completed in July 2026. The tank will provide a secondary fire water supply for BRAB and future west campus infrastructure needs. Current activities include ongoing rebar installation and upcoming concrete pours for the water tank concrete mat and buttress wall footing, which are scheduled for late May 2026. Firewater shutdowns in nearby buildings are anticipated in mid-June to support continued infrastructure work. Impacted occupants will be informed in advance of planned shutdown activities.

Starting as soon as August 2026, CSB façade repair is expected to begin.  Following in August 2026, interior elevator lobby finishes and addition of a new entrance connecting to the future CSB plaza area will begin. Work supporting the future BRAB connection on CSB Level 7 also continues on levels 2, 6, and 7 of the building, with anticipated completion in late 2026.

What to Expect During Construction | Parnassus Commons | May 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.
    • Dust control and environmental monitoring are in place.
    • Sound-dampening strategies are used on equipment where feasible.
  • Now – 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 (Ongoing)
    • Active trenching for chilled water, fire water, and domestic water systems
  • 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]  
    • Departments experiencing disruptions may request assistance identifying alternative workspace options.
  • Additional Information
  • Dates and details are subject to change. 
     
A detailed construction site map for the PCCSI project showing building locations, work zones, access roads, staging areas, pedestrian pathways, and construction boundaries with labeled site features and directional markers.
The PCCSI construction site map outlines key project areas, access routes, staging zones, safety boundaries, and operational logistics supporting ongoing construction activity.
A visual project timeline for the PCCSI construction project displaying major phases, milestones, schedules, and completion targets arranged chronologically across the project duration.
The PCCSI project timeline highlights major construction phases, key milestones, and anticipated completion dates supporting project coordination and campus planning efforts.
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.

There may be some minor applications of gilsulate in June 2026, but activity will become more significant in August 2026 once the water tank is completed and the west–east chilled water line installation begins. 

Reminder: New Emergency Exit Route for Clinical Sciences Building 

As a reminder to Clinical Sciences Building (CSB) occupants, the building has a new route to take during an emergency, effective April 2026. The new exit route leads 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. This route should only be used during an emergency, as it passes through an active PCCSI construction area. 

What to Expect | New Exit Route for CSB
  • The Clinical Sciences Building (CSB) has a new emergency egress route. The new 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 project site, out the construction gate, around Saunders Court, and up the curved path to Koret Way.
  • The new route is for emergency use only.
  • 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.
Emergency egress route for Clinical Sciences Building (CSB) occupants as of May 2026.
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.
Photos | Parnassus Commons Construction as of May 2026
Westward view of the PCCSI construction site showing active excavation, structural work, and surrounding campus landscape in the location formerly occupied by the School of Nursing building.
A west-facing view of the PCCSI construction site highlighting ongoing development in the area formerly occupied by the School of Nursing (SON).
Workers and construction equipment prepare large chilled water pipes for installation at the PCCSI construction site, with utility infrastructure and active work areas visible nearby.
Crews prepare chilled water piping systems for installation as part of ongoing infrastructure and utility work as part of the PCCSI project at Parnassus Heights.
Overhead view of the PCCSI construction site showing excavation areas, construction equipment, structural elements, access routes, and surrounding campus buildings from an elevated vantage point.
An aerial perspective of the PCCSI site highlights ongoing excavation, structural development, and overall project progress as of May 2026.

Other Construction Updates

  • Weekend Closure on Medical Center Way for Crane Mobilization | June 19-21, 2026: From 8 p.m. Friday, June 19, to 10 p.m. Sunday, June 21, 2026, Medical Center Way on the Parnassus Heights campus is scheduled to be closed to accommodate two cranes required for the Building Fume Hood Fans Repair Project in Health Sciences East (HSE).
    • ‌Medical Center Way will be closed for this crane pick near the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research (IRM) building.
    • ‌Medical Center Way, near Parnassus Avenue, continues to be closed on Saturdays and Sundays for the UCSF Health Helen Diller Hospital (HDH) construction project. ‌
    • ‌Loading docks will be closed during construction for HSE, Health Sciences West (HSW), the Ray and Dagmar Dolby Regeneration Medicine Building, and the Parnassus Services building. ‌‌Deliveries to those buildings will be rerouted. ‌
    • ‌Flaggers will assist with the crane delivery and traffic control. ‌
    • ‌The emergency egress for HSE, HSW, and the Dolby Regeneration Medicine Building will be maintained. 
    • ‌Dates and details may change, including due to weather. ‌
  • Latest UCSF Real Estate Construction Impact Messages | UCSF MyAccess Required