On March 14, 2019, UPMC broke ground for the UPMC Vision and Rehabilitation Tower, a specialty facility that will stand on the campus of UPMC Mercy.  The nine-story tower will serve patients who have diseases of the eye or vision impairment and those who need physical rehabilitation.  It is projected to be completed in late 2022.

Highlights of the new nine-story tower include:

• 410,000 square feet of collaborative space for clinicians, researchers, educators, and industry partners;
• A state-of-the-art facility to deliver gene ad cell therapy for the eye;
• An innovative, fully mocked-up apartment where patients can relearn critical life skills;
• A 3-D street lab with simulated city streets, offices, and meeting rooms to help patients with low vision navigate their surroundings.

Other areas in the building will include exam rooms, an optical shop, a pharmacy, therapy stations, and a UPMC Center for Rehab Services gym.  Training ramps and stairs in a healing garden on the roof terrace will offer patients a safe environment in which to prepare for real-life experiences.