A three-story solution that redefined arrival at Scripps Memorial La Jolla.

In the 1980s, Kitchell embarked on a transformative 12-year partnership with Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla—delivering more than $75 million in construction (the equivalent of over $200 million today) that reimagined and reshaped the hospital campus. Working side-by-side with the owner and design team, Kitchell provided preconstruction, cost estimating, scheduling, and construction oversight, while constantly developing creative alternatives to meet the hospital’s evolving needs.

The signature achievement was a one-of-a-kind parking solution: three stories of underground parking built beneath a landscaped plaza and grand entry. This bold move not only solved a pressing space shortage but elevated the entire arrival experience, creating a welcoming gateway for patients and visitors.

Kitchell’s work also extended to critical new facilities, including a radiation oncology and specialty eye treatment center and an alcohol and drug rehabilitation hospital. Each demanded precise planning and flawless execution in the midst of an active healthcare environment.

A Lasting Legacy

These projects stand as a defining example of Kitchell’s ability to deliver innovative, complex solutions that enhance patient care environments while keeping hospitals fully operational. Decades later, that expertise continues to set Kitchell apart: in 2025, Modern Healthcare ranked the company as the 7th largest healthcare construction manager in the nation, with a place in the Top 20 for more than 30 years.

Healthcare isn’t just part of Kitchell’s portfolio—it’s in its DNA.