KU Cancer Center celebrates topping out ceremony for new cancer complex
Milestone marks progress on the new KU Cancer Center buildings, set to open in late 2027.
Community leaders, researchers, physicians, donors and patients came together August 21, 2026, to celebrate yet another milestone in the ongoing growth of The University of Kansas Cancer Center.
Steel beams were signed by researchers, physicians, construction partners and patients. The assembled crowd cheered as one of the beams was lifted to the top of the construction project. The beam represented a symbolic milestone in the construction of the complex, which will eventually house cancer research and clinical spaces, as well as innovative work on cellular therapies.
Speakers at the event included Sen. Jerry Moran R- Kansas; Roy Jensen, M.D., vice chancellor and director of the cancer center; and Jack Beal, senior vice president of Cancer Services at The University of Kansas Health System.
“We want to do everything we can to see this project come to fruition,” said Moran, who congratulated and thanked all those who worked on the project. Moran has led congressional support of the project at the national level. “This facility will expand the cancer services and research provided in Kansas and across the Midwest, saving lives and bringing us closer to finding a cure for cancer.”
Once the project is completed in late 2027, the buildings will bring together laboratories, clinical spaces and cellular therapy manufacturing — all designed to focus on cancer. Researchers and patient care teams will work in close proximity, expediting communication and collaboration.
“Bringing our researchers, clinicians and cell therapy manufacturing capabilities together in one place changes how quickly ideas can move,” said Roy Jensen, M.D., vice chancellor and director of the cancer center. “It lets us share knowledge in real time and turn promising discoveries into treatments with fewer barriers.”
During the event, leaders spoke about the purpose behind the project and the impact the new buildings will have on patients, researchers and the region.
“Today is a milestone in the construction of these state-of-the art cancer facilities and another step closer to expanding our ability to deliver the most advanced cancer care and conduct cutting-edge research,” said Jack Beal, senior vice president of cancer services at The University of Kansas Health System. “One day soon, there will be patients crossing their own milestones here in their cancer journey. We remain guided by our commitment to our patients and the recognition of what this building offers and represents: hope.”
In addition to facilitating cutting-edge research and patient care, the new buildings also serve as an important reminder of the importance of healthcare and science to economy of Kansas and the region, Moran noted.
“The KU Cancer Center is one of the most consequential developments in the state,” said Moran. “It’s providing opportunities for all Kansans, especially young people, as they pursue their education and take the next step to meaningful careers in medicine and science, research and healthcare, and it allows them to live here and raise their families here in the state.”
Construction will continue at the site near 39th and Eaton, which is shared by the University of Kansas and The University of Kansas Health System. Additional parking is also under construction and planned to be completed by late 2027.
The event was livestreamed by The University of Kansas Health System and The University of Kansas Cancer Center.