ASU Unveils $600M in Upcoming Construction Projects Across Valley Campuses

Plans include new health campus in downtown Phoenix, dorm demolition in Tempe, and a 3D-printed shade structure at Polytechnic campus.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Arizona State University is embarking on over $600 million worth of construction projects across its Valley campuses, including a $200 million ASU Health building in downtown Phoenix, a $187 million library and museum complex in Tempe, and the demolition and redevelopment of three dormitories on the Tempe campus. Other projects include renovations to the Bateman Physical Sciences Center, Desert Financial Arena, and an expansion of the student union at the Polytechnic campus, which will also feature a 3D-printed shade structure.

Why it matters

These major investments by ASU demonstrate the university's commitment to expanding its academic and research capabilities, upgrading student facilities, and enhancing the overall experience for the ASU community across its various campuses in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

The details

The $200 million ASU Health building in downtown Phoenix will house the medical school as well as the ASU School of Technology for Public Health. Construction is set to begin in June 2026, with the first class of medical students starting this year in a renovated facility. In Tempe, the $187 million John S. McCain III Library and Museum will digitize the late senator's archives and include a museum, library, lecture hall, event spaces, and a café. Three aging dormitories on the Tempe campus will also be demolished and redeveloped into a new 800-bed residential complex, with the potential for up to 2,000 beds at full buildout.

  • Construction on the ASU Health building in downtown Phoenix will begin in June 2026.
  • The first class of medical students will start this year at a renovated facility, before moving to the new ASU Health building when it is completed in fall 2028.
  • The $187 million John S. McCain III Library and Museum in Tempe is expected to be completed in 2028.
  • The demolition and redevelopment of three dormitories on the Tempe campus will begin this year, with the first phase of the new 800-bed residential complex planned to open in 2028.
  • The $115 million renovation of the Bateman Physical Sciences Center and the $100 million renovation of the Desert Financial Arena are both expected to be completed in 2028 and 2029 respectively.

The players

Arizona State University (ASU)

A public research university with multiple campuses in the Phoenix metropolitan area, known for its innovative academic programs and research initiatives.

Morgan Olsen

The Chief Financial Officer of Arizona State University, overseeing the university's financial operations and construction projects.

John S. McCain III

The late U.S. Senator from Arizona, who donated his archives to Arizona State University.

Kenny Dillingham

The head football coach of the Arizona State University Sun Devils.

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What they’re saying

“We are working on a practice facility that can also be used as a fan zone.”

— Morgan Olsen, Chief Financial Officer, Arizona State University (azcentral.com)

“As soon as we can, we'd like to make it happen.”

— Morgan Olsen, Chief Financial Officer, Arizona State University (azcentral.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

These construction projects demonstrate ASU's commitment to expanding its academic and research capabilities, upgrading student facilities, and enhancing the overall experience for the ASU community across its various campuses in the Phoenix metropolitan area.