Florida Construction News staff writer
Brooks Rehabilitation is planning a major expansion of its facilities in Northeast Florida, committing about $68 million to three construction projects slated to begin in 2026 as demand for specialized rehabilitation services continues to grow.
The non-profit organization says the projects will create about 150 jobs and include an expansion of the Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital at its Bartram Campus, an enlarged Orange Park outpatient clinic and a significant expansion of Helen’s House, a hospitality facility for patients and families.
The largest project is a $47-million expansion of the Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital – Bartram Campus. The work will add 48 inpatient beds, with capacity for future expansion, to serve patients recovering from complex conditions such as brain and spinal cord injuries, strokes and transplants. Plans also include a new Innovation Studio equipped with advanced rehabilitation, smart home and assistive technologies aimed at supporting recovery and helping patients transition back to home. Funding for the studio is being supported through private donations.
Brooks president and CEO Doug Baer said the investment reflects the organization’s focus on patient- and family-centred care and long-term access to rehabilitation services.
Another $16 million will be invested to double the size of Helen’s House, located near the University campus. The facility provides temporary, low-cost accommodation for patients and caregivers travelling to Jacksonville from across the U.S. and abroad. The expansion is intended to allow more families to stay close during lengthy rehabilitation stays.
The Orange Park outpatient clinic will also be expanded through a $5.4-million project adding 7,000 square feet. About 2,100 square feet of the addition will house a new pediatric feeding and swallowing clinic. A portion of the funding for the pediatric service is being provided by the State of Florida to address an identified gap in care.
All three Jacksonville-area projects are expected to start construction in 2026, with completion scheduled for 2027 and early 2028.
Separately, Brooks is continuing construction on an 80,000-square-foot inpatient rehabilitation hospital on the Mayo Clinic’s Phoenix campus in Arizona, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Brooks said it is also reviewing longer-term options for additional expansion in the Jacksonville market as the region continues to experience rapid population growth.
