For nearly 140 years, California Hospital Medical Center (CHMC) has stood as a lifeline for the people of downtown Los Angeles.
In January, that legacy entered a bold new chapter with the opening of the Grand Tower — a four-story, 140,000-square-foot facility that redefines what it means to provide world-class, compassionate care in one of the city’s most diverse and high-need communities.
The $205 million expansion, made possible in part by $25 million in philanthropic support, is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a beacon of hope for the 85,000 residents and 500,000 workers who live and work in downtown Los Angeles, many of whom face barriers to accessing high-quality health care.
“This thoughtfully designed facility significantly expands CHMC’s emergency, trauma, and maternal care services, providing families with advanced care close to home,” says Jill Welton, Market President. “The Grand Tower addresses critical healthcare gaps and reinforces our mission to improve health equity in the communities we serve.”
A Tower Built by Generosity
From the beginning, philanthropy was at the heart of the Grand Tower. Donors, foundations, and community members rallied to ensure this vision became reality. Contributions came through signature events like the 15th Annual California Hospital Golf Classic, which raised more than $155,000, and the beloved La Grande Affaire gala, which generated over $460,000. Individual supporters, such as Jeff Cunningham and Steve Loo, also gave generously out of a commitment to strengthen their community.
“Giving to California Hospital is our way of making a positive impact on the lives of the people here,” Cunningham explains. That spirit of generosity, multiplied many times over, helped fund state-of-the-art emergency facilities, a modernized maternity center, and a new neonatal intensive care unit—critical resources for families across Los Angeles.
Meeting critical needs
The Grand Tower’s opening could not come at a more important time. Los Angeles is home to some of the busiest emergency rooms in the nation, and CHMC alone serves more than 80,000 emergency patients each year, including 3,000 trauma cases. The new tower expands the emergency and trauma center’s footprint by more than 50 percent, creating the capacity to meet surging demand with speed and excellence.
For families welcoming new life, the tower modernizes maternity services from labor and delivery through postpartum recovery. A new 24-bed Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) ensures that fragile newborns receive advanced, life-saving care close to home. Each year, CHMC supports approximately 2,400 deliveries and 500 NICU admissions, and the new environment is designed to be as nurturing as it is advanced.
“This state-of-the-art facility, made possible in part through generous philanthropic support, reinforces our commitment to providing advanced, equitable care that serves all Angelenos for generations to come,” says Alina Moran, CHMC Hospital President
A legacy of care, renewed
CHMC has been caring for Los Angeles since 1887, adapting to the city’s growth, challenges, and triumphs. When seismic safety standards required upgrades to older facilities, hospital leaders seized the opportunity to invest in something greater—a modern, resilient hospital designed not only to meet regulations but to expand access for future generations.
The Grand Tower is the centerpiece of that vision, a testament to the enduring partnership between CHMC and the community it serves. Every donor who contributed played a role in ensuring that downtown Los Angeles families—whether facing trauma, welcoming a newborn, or navigating urgent medical needs—will find the care they need, when they need it most.
Powered by Humankindness
At its core, the Grand Tower is about more than advanced technology and expanded capacity. It represents the values of humankindness that guide CommonSpirit Health and the generosity of those who believe in a healthier, more equitable future for Los Angeles.
“This is more than a building,” reflects one supporter. “It’s a promise—that no matter who you are, or where you come from, you deserve access to the very best care.”
Thanks to philanthropy, that promise is now a reality rising in the heart of downtown. The Grand Tower at California Hospital Medical Center is a living testament to the power of community, generosity, and a shared belief that together, we can build a healthier
