VINEYARD, Utah — Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah celebrated a major milestone Tuesday in the development of Huntsman Cancer Institute in Utah City, the 700-acre, mixed-use development in Vineyard. On September 1, community leaders, elected officials, donors, supporters, and residents gathered for a cornerstone celebration marking the start of vertical construction on the future cancer campus. The event celebrated Huntsman Cancer Institute’s long-term commitment to Vineyard, Utah County, and the families who will benefit from expanded access to cancer care, research, education, and innovation throughout the region.
Since the groundbreaking in April 2025, months of planning, design, engineering, and site preparation have transformed the future campus from a concept into a visible presence within the community. Now, the project enters an exciting new chapter as foundation work continues and vertical construction begins.
“The milestone marks the transition from site preparation to the visible rise of a new cancer care and research facility that will bring lifesaving research, care, and support services closer to patients in Central and Southern Utah,” said Nate Hutchinson, partner of Flagborough, the developer of Utah City, “Patients will benefit from our central location and a state-of-the-art facility that is an integral part of the walkable, sustainable, and wellness-centric community we are building.”
The need remains clear: In 2025 alone, Huntsman Cancer Institute hosted more than 52,000 patient visits from Utah County and adjacent areas, with patients traveling approximately 3.9 million miles—the equivalent of 86,000 hours of travel time. The Utah City location will ease the travel burden for patients in central and southern portions of the state and beyond, saving patients more than two hours of travel time per visit. It is also within easy walking distance of the Vineyard FrontRunner station.
“Huntsman Cancer Institute in Vineyard is about much more than a new building,” says Bradley Cairns, PhD, CEO of Huntsman Cancer Institute. “It’s a deliberate commitment to grow with Utah County by becoming a steady, trusted presence in this community. We are listening, learning, and working alongside local leaders, health partners, educators, businesses, donors, and families to expand access to cancer prevention, screening, treatment, innovation and hope. At the center of that work are our patients. Their courage gives purpose to every scientific discovery, every clinical advance, and every connection we build.”
When complete, the 284,000-square-foot campus will expand Huntsman Cancer Institute’s ability to serve the state and region through comprehensive cancer care, research, education, and training in Utah County.
The City of Vineyard has played an important role in helping bring the project from vision to reality. As construction activity becomes increasingly visible, city leaders say the campus represents both a health care investment and a symbol of the community’s growth and future.
“We believe in growing with intention, and Huntsman Cancer Institute’s future campus represents the kind of growth that will strengthen our community for generations,” said Vineyard City Mayor Zack Stratton. “This investment will bring world-class cancer care closer to Utah County residents, create meaningful jobs, and help build a healthier, more hopeful future for families across our region.”
David Huntsman, president of the Huntsman Family Foundation, reflected on the Huntsman family’s enduring commitment to expanding access to cancer care and supporting discoveries that improve lives.
“We are so excited that this incredible facility will increase access to world-class health care for residents of Utah County and beyond,” Huntsman said. “A special thank you to the passionate teams helping make this incredible effort possible.”
The event’s theme, The Rising Future of Hope, Discovery, and Healing in Utah County, reflected the project’s broader purpose: creating a place where patients receive care, scientists pursue discoveries, students train for future careers, and families find hope close to home. The ceremony featured a formal cornerstone dedication symbolizing permanence, partnership, and a shared commitment to future generations.
Construction of the building’s exterior structure will begin in fall 2026. By summer 2027, the building is expected to be fully enclosed, allowing interior construction and systems installation to move forward. The facility is anticipated to receive its certificate of occupancy in June 2028, with the first patients expected to be welcomed in September 2028.
“This is a powerful example of what we can accomplish when Utahns come together,” Mike Schultz, Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives, said. “By bringing world-class cancer care, research, and innovation closer to Utah families, we are investing not only in better health today, but in a stronger, healthier future for generations to come. I’m grateful to the Huntsman family, the University of Utah, our community partners, and everyone who has worked together to make this vision a reality.”
Speaking to the crowd gathered, Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams said, “Huntsman Cancer Institute in Vineyard represents the best of Utah: innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to improving the lives of Utahns. By expanding access to world-class cancer care and creating new opportunities for research, education, and innovation, this campus will give more Utah families hope when they need it most.”
Each stage of development will bring Huntsman Cancer Institute in Vineyard closer to its ultimate purpose: expanding access to cancer care, accelerating research discoveries, educating future generations, and improving outcomes for patients across Utah and the Mountain West.
About Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah is the National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center for Utah, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming. With a legacy of innovative cancer research, groundbreaking discoveries, and world-class patient care, we are transforming the way cancer is understood, prevented, diagnosed, treated, and survived. Huntsman Cancer Institute focuses on delivering the most advanced cancer healing and prevention through scientific breakthroughs and cutting-edge technology to create pioneering cancer treatments beyond the standard of care today. We have more than 400 open clinical trials and more than 300 research teams studying cancer. More genes for inherited cancers have been discovered at Huntsman Cancer Institute than at any other cancer center. Our scientists are world-renowned for understanding how cancer begins and using that knowledge to develop innovative approaches to treat each patient’s unique disease. Huntsman Cancer Institute was founded by Jon M. and Karen Huntsman.
About Utah City
Utah City is a groundbreaking, 700-acre development along the eastern shore of Utah Lake in Utah County. Spearheaded by The Flagship Companies, the project will feature a 20-acre, state-of-the-art Huntsman Cancer Institute campus. Designed by renowned city planner Jeff Speck and DPZ, Utah City prioritizes walkability, timeless architecture, and seamlessly integrated outdoor spaces. As a model for thoughtful growth and development, it is set to redefine urban living in Utah County. For more information, visit utahcity.com.