New Methodist University Hospital Tower Named Gary Shorb Tower

The new 450,000 square foot tower currently under construction at Methodist University Hospital will be named in honor of Methodist’s long-time CEO, Gary Shorb.

On October 10, 2017, Methodist Healthcare leaders, Associates, board members, donors and construction team members gathered to celebrate the topping out of the $275 million construction project at Methodist University Hospital and to announce the naming of the new tower - Gary Shorb Tower.

"For 26 years, Gary led the transformation of what was a sleepy, 100-year-old system to national prominence, recognized across the country in a number of key services," Michael Ugwueke, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare President and CEO, said.

Past system board chairs, Ron Belz, Alan Graf and Ed Roberson partnered with the Methodist Healthcare Foundation to raise funds to support enhancements to elevate the care that will be provided within the new hospital and in addition will enable Methodist to proudly name the tower in honor of Gary.  

“It was clear to all of us that the new tower should be named for Gary - a leader who always believed that healthcare should be accessible to all Memphians and to those with the highest healthcare needs; that an academic partnership would lead to nationally-recognized excellence; and that a world-class cancer institute and transplant institute should be part of the care we provide in the heart of our community,” shared Paula Jacobson, President of Methodist Healthcare Foundation.

The Methodist University Hospital project, which is being managed by Turner Construction and designed by HKS Architects, is scheduled to be completed in spring 2019.

The new tower will consolidate departments currently located across six blocks and will create room to upgrade services as well as provide state-of-the-art medical technology to increase efficiency for medical staff and caregivers while improving the healthcare experience for patients, families and visitors.

The campus-wide master plan also includes the consolidation of transplant services into a two-story inpatient/outpatient Transplant Institute, the combining of the West Cancer Center location on Union Avenue with hospital-based inpatient and surgical services creating one comprehensive cancer center, the demolition of the Crews Wing adding two gardens and greenspace, and the construction of the parking plaza that will connect directly to the hospital.

"We've put our stake down, saying to the community, 'We are here to stay in Downtown Memphis and the Medical District.’ The point really is, regardless of where you are in Memphis, we want to make sure that you have access to top quality health care, regardless of your ability to pay, whether you live out East or Downtown," said Michael Ugwueke.

photo: (From left to right) Michael Ugwueke, Alan Graf, Gary Shorb, Richard Kelley and Dr. Jimmie Mancell wave towels in celebration of the topping out of the new Methodist University Hospital tower.