Inova Health System marked a significant construction milestone on April 13, 2026, with “topping out” ceremonies for two modern hospital campuses in Alexandria and Franconia-Springfield, Virginia. The events signaled the completion of the structural framework for both facilities, which are part of Inova’s Eastern Region expansion project aimed at replacing the current Inova Alexandria Hospital while adding a second inpatient site in Northern Virginia.
The dual-campus project follows same-day groundbreakings held in 2024 and remains on track for completion in 2028, according to Inova officials. Once finished, the campuses will collectively span more than 1.4 million square feet and are designed to expand access to care and modernize service delivery across the region.
Plans call for the Alexandria Campus to include 192 licensed inpatient beds in fully private rooms, offering services in advanced cardiac and neurosciences care, women’s health, outpatient specialty services and a standalone Inova Schar Cancer Center. The Franconia-Springfield Campus is planned to feature 110 licensed inpatient beds, along with advanced emergency and surgical services, specialized inpatient care, and an outpatient center focused on orthopedic and surgical services.
“What began with two groundbreakings on the same day has now grown into a once-in-a-generation transformation of healthcare delivery,” said J. Stephen Jones, MD, FACS, president and CEO of Inova, in a statement released during the ceremonies. “From their earliest days, these facilities were designed not just as hospitals, but as a reimagining of how we deliver Inova’s world-class care in a way that is innovative, accessible, and built around the evolving needs of our patients and communities.”
With the structural framework complete, Inova stated that work will now shift from construction to interior buildout as the hospitals take shape as patient-centered facilities. The topping out ceremonies are a traditional construction milestone marking when a building reaches its highest point, often celebrated with the placement of a tree or flag on the final beam.
Project Partners and Design Vision
Inova identified Ballinger and Ennead Architects as the design firms behind both campuses. Construction is being managed by Clark Construction for the Alexandria Campus and DPR Construction for the Franconia-Springfield site. These firms bring extensive experience in healthcare infrastructure, with Clark Construction having previously worked on multiple Inova projects and DPR known for its work on complex medical and academic buildings.
The architectural approach emphasizes healing environments, natural light, and intuitive wayfinding, aligning with modern healthcare design principles that prioritize patient experience and staff efficiency. Both campuses are being built on strategically significant sites: the Alexandria Campus at the WestEnd redevelopment of the former Landmark Mall, and the Franconia-Springfield Campus expanding upon the existing Inova Healthplex.
Community Impact and Leadership Support
Local officials praised the project as a long-term investment in Northern Virginia’s healthcare infrastructure. Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay stated, “This investment is about more than new buildings — We see about a long-standing commitment to this community,” highlighting the importance of accessible, high-quality care for residents across the region.
City of Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins echoed this sentiment, noting Inova’s deep historical roots in the city. “Inova has been part of Alexandria’s story for more than 150 years, caring for generations of individuals and families and standing alongside our community through times of growth and change,” she said. “This exciting new campus at WestEnd will expand access and elevate the healthcare experience for city residents now and into the future.”
The project is expected to create thousands of construction jobs during the build phase and hundreds of permanent healthcare positions upon completion, contributing to regional economic development while addressing growing demand for medical services in one of Virginia’s most populous corridors.
Looking Ahead to 2028 Completion
As interior work progresses, Inova will focus on installing medical equipment, integrating health information technology systems, and completing finishes that support infection control, accessibility, and patient comfort. The health system has emphasized that the new campuses will incorporate flexible design elements to adapt to future advances in medical technology and care models.
Regular updates on the project’s progress are available through Inova’s official newsroom, where stakeholders can access timelines, renderings, and detailed fact sheets about each campus. The 2028 target date remains contingent on continued coordination with contractors, regulatory approvals, and supply chain stability — factors Inova says it is actively monitoring.
For Northern Virginia residents, the new campuses represent more than just upgraded facilities. they signal a sustained commitment to innovation in healthcare delivery, with an emphasis on preventive care, outpatient access, and seamless coordination between inpatient and outpatient services.
As the structural steel stands in place and crews move inside to initiate the next phase of construction, the topping out ceremonies serve as a visible reminder of the scale and ambition of Inova’s vision — two hospitals designed not only to meet today’s healthcare needs but to anticipate those of the decades ahead.
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