Hofstra Medical School Expansion in Progress

HEAMPTSEAD, N.Y. — The groundbreaking ceremony for a two-story expansion of The Hofstra North Shore-LIF School of Medicine was held on June 6, 2013. New additions to the school will include a 241-person auditorium, a 7,000 sq. ft. structure lab, a multi-purpose divisible room with a 90-person capacity, a large events space, new suites for the Dean and faculty, new faculty offices and 12 classrooms for small groups.

The expansion will add 65,000 square feet to the school and is estimated to cost $35.9 million. The New York State Economic State Development Corporation is providing $14.5 million of the budget through a $25 million grant to Hofstra University from 2008. The Town of Heampstead Local Development Corporation is providing bonds to offset the remaining $21.4 million.

In a recent press release, Founding Dean Dr. Lawrence G. Smith said: “We began with a very important mission in this historic facility that once housed the New York Jets, and now we are making history once again as we continue to grow, innovate and more fully serve the national need.”

Hofstra President Stuart Rabinowitz shared Smith’s sentiments, saying “Three years ago, we stood together in this building to celebrate the beginning of a new era – the opening of the Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine. Now, as we break ground on this new addition, we celebrate how far we’ve come – together – towards our goal of training a new generation of doctors who will improve health care on Long Island and in New York State for decades to come.”

The school has more than quadrupled in size since it opened in 2008, expanding from 40 students to 180. The number of applicants has increased substantially as well, with 5,500 vying for one of the 80 open spots this year.

The estimated date of completion for the expansion project is January 2015. The finished product will fulfill the requirements for LEED Silver certification.