Since then, we’ve established the largest and most advanced network of highly specialized cancer care locations in the region — all surrounding City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center in Irvine. In late 2025, we’ll complete the next phase of this vision with the opening of Orange County’s only cancer specialty hospital. This 73-bed cancer-focused hospital will be seamlessly connected to the outpatient cancer center, which opened in 2022 and has since served thousands of patients with cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.
Finalizing the exterior structure: A fond farewell to “Tiny T-Cell Crane”
The Irvine skyline changed this summer as a 222-foot-tall construction crane named “Tiny T-Cell Crane" was disassembled on City of Hope Orange County’s campus. Affectionately named after CAR-T Cell therapy, a leading-edge treatment that helps the immune system fight blood cancers, “Tiny T-Cell” has been a fixture of the Irvine skyline for nearly two years while helping build the hospital.
“Tiny has been a physical symbol of hope during the past 18 months,” said Annette M. Walker, M.H.A., president, City of Hope Orange County. “There is a certain feeling of purpose and strength that comes from looking out the window and seeing the crane lift each element into place, knowing that we’re getting closer to bringing the full continuum of care to those living with cancer in Orange County and beyond.”
Removal of “Tiny” means that most of the heavy lifting is complete — the hospital exterior structure is in place, and the major operational components and machinery are loaded on the roof. Now the focus turns to the interior, finishing plumbing, electrical and dry wall, as well as planning for finishes like furniture and medical equipment.
Creating calming interiors with help from patients and their families
Similar to City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, the new hospital will be a thoughtfully curated space that is focused on patient comfort and designed with input from our patients and the community. Seeking feedback from those who will be served at City of Hope Orange County’s facilities has been a key part of the approach since we announced our expansion into Orange County in 2019.
Earlier this summer, patients and their families, along with cancer experts, were invited to participate in a “furniture fair” to help select the furnishings that will be featured in the hospital. Participants provided input on elements such as couches, beds, recliners, chairs, dining room options and more. Their input guided our staff to select pieces that will help the space feel more like a home than a hospital.
“A calming space only enhances the clinical trials, breakthrough treatments and patient-centric services that we provide,” said Edward S. Kim, M.D., M.B.A., physician-in-chief, City of Hope Orange County, vice physician-in-chief, City of Hope National Medical Center, and Construction Industries Alliance Physician-in-Chief Chair. “If we can combine the science and the compassionate care with a thoughtfully designed space that cares and caters to the patient’s four senses and whole person, we can effectively increase outcomes.”
The hospital design also leverages elements of feng shui to bring a feeling of balance and earth into the building. In addition, colors, textures and finishes have been carefully selected to promote healing.
Designing a seamless clinical experience
Our City of Hope Orange County campus has been uniquely designed to provide a seamless inpatient and outpatient experience where patients can receive services at both City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center and the new hospital, while remaining under the same roof. This will offer a uniquely collaborative patient experience and ensure patients receive the care they need, when they need it.
Walker added, “When we open in late 2025, we will fulfill our vision of providing Orange County residents with local access to advanced cancer care and research from one of the top five cancer centers in the nation. The Orange County campus and our approach to building it for and with the community we serve has been a model for the nation and will benefit many future generations to come.”
First in research. First in treatment. First in survival. When it comes to cancer, it’s Hope First. Call (888) 333-HOPE (4673).
Also read: