As posted in the other thread, my guess for sites:
- Edwards Mill – state-owned land that’s potentially free, proximity to UNC Rex at least makes it simpler to recruit staff who’ve optimized their commutes for that location.
- SAS campus – premier location, considerable excess land (though the Harrison-adjacent site is only ~50 acres, there’s much more further back), SAS IPO in 2025 means SAS itself is likely built out and Goodnight has a capital event.
- RTP – between RTF and Alexandria REIT there’s ample land, enthusiasm about having a clinical anchor, and capability to deliver a turnkey project, but it depends on a yet-to-be-finalized rezoning to unlock both buildable square footage and ability to have on-campus ancillary commercial.
- Lake Crabtree Park – correct size and location, but RDU Authority can’t execute a below-market sale or lease.
“UNC Health and Duke University Health System will transfer all pediatric-related clinical services, programs & operations to NC Children’s.” → the existing 150-bed UNC and 202-bed Duke children’s hospitals probably can’t just be converted to adult pavilions without going through the Certificate of Need process? Or maybe they can; the law governing CON only says “acute care beds,” so once they’re licensed I think they’re fine. Which makes building a new statewide facility a very odd way for UNC and Duke to get the additional beds they’ve been pining for.