UC Davis Health Folsom Medical Care Clinic: Building a New Healthcare Destination for a Growing Community

June 15, 2026

As the communities of Folsom and El Dorado Hills continue to grow, so does the need for accessible, high-quality healthcare. UC Davis Health recognized that demand early and began planning a new medical campus that could support the region for decades to come. The UC Davis Health Folsom Medical Care Clinic represents the first step in bringing that vision to life.

Delivered by Rudolph and Sletten in partnership with UC Davis Health, LPAS, Boulder Associates, Jacobs, and a dedicated team of trade partners, the project establishes a modern outpatient care facility which consisted of 11 acres.

The three-story, 110,000-square-foot medical office building brings a wide range of outpatient services together under one roof, making it easier for patients to access care while supporting efficient clinical operations behind the scenes. The building was also designed to feel welcoming and connected to the surrounding community.

The first phase of development included approximately 11 acres of site improvements that begin shaping the long-term campus plan. New parking areas, pedestrian walkways, and landscaped open space help create an inviting setting for future growth. At the center of the site is the Central Green, an outdoor gathering space designed to encourage wellness, connection, and everyday community use.

A True One-Team Approach

Collaboration played a major role in how the project moved forward from the very beginning. Early in the process, the team established a Big Room working environment that brought together representatives from Rudolph and Sletten, UC Davis Health, LPAS, Boulder Associates, Jacobs, and key trade partners.

Working in a shared space allowed the team to align quickly on priorities, address constructability questions, and coordinate design decisions in real time. It helped foster a true one-team mindset where challenges could be discussed openly and solutions could be developed quickly.

That spirit of collaboration continued throughout construction. Designers, builders, and owner representatives shared an onsite project office, allowing the team to stay closely coordinated and maintain steady progress as the project moved forward.

Technology also played a key role in supporting that coordination. Building Information Modeling was used extensively to coordinate building systems and identify potential conflicts before installation began. Addressing those issues early helped streamline field work and reduce the likelihood of delays during construction.

The team also introduced mobile virtual reality technology during the design process to engage end users. Physicians, nurses, and department leaders were able to walk through digital models of the facility and review clinical spaces before construction began. These immersive walkthroughs gave stakeholders the opportunity to evaluate room layouts, circulation paths, and equipment placement while providing feedback that helped refine the final design. This innovative approach was an industry first that was proudly presented by the project team at multiple conventions and conferences.

Maintaining Momentum Through Challenges

Construction began during a period when the industry was facing widespread supply chain disruptions and extended manufacturing lead times for key building systems.

To stay ahead of potential delays, Rudolph and Sletten worked closely with the owner and trade partners to identify long-lead materials early in the design process. Equipment such as HVAC units, electrical switchgear, roofing systems, and curtainwall assemblies were procured well in advance to secure manufacturing slots and protect the overall project schedule.

The team also navigated challenges related to the surrounding Folsom Ranch development. Because key roads and utilities were still being installed by the master developer, early construction activities depended on the progress of that infrastructure work. Heavy winter rainfall slowed portions of the developer’s schedule and threatened to delay the start of the project.

 

Rather than accept that delay, the team coordinated with the developer to construct a temporary access road across adjacent property. This solution allowed grading, underground utilities, and early site work to begin while permanent infrastructure was still being completed. The proactive approach helped keep the schedule intact and maintain momentum on the project.

Safety at the Forefront

Safety remained a constant priority throughout construction. Over the course of the project, the team logged more than 523,000 work hours while maintaining strong safety performance.

Consistent with Rudolph and Sletten’s ongoing commitment to safety, the project achieved zero lost-time incidents, resulting in an OSHA DART rate of 0.38, significantly outperforming industry averages. This performance reflects the team’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and responsible jobsite.

That success was supported by a proactive safety program that included jobsite orientations, weekly safety meetings, routine safety walks with trade partners, and detailed pre-task planning before each phase of work. In recognition of the team’s efforts, Liberty Mutual presented the project team with the Liberty Mutual Silver Safety Award.

Designed for Wellness and the Future

The design of the UC Davis Health Folsom Medical Care Clinic reflects UC Davis Health’s commitment to wellness, sustainability, and long-term flexibility.

The building’s curved form frames views toward the Central Green and allows natural light to reach deep into many interior spaces. Inside the facility, universal clinical modules allow departments to adapt over time as healthcare delivery models continue to evolve.

Sustainability was also a key priority. The building was designed as a fully electric facility, supporting the University of California’s initiative to reduce carbon emissions and transition toward cleaner energy systems.

Parking areas were designed to accommodate future photovoltaic carports, positioning the campus to potentially achieve net-zero energy performance as additional phases are developed. Interior materials were also selected to promote healthier indoor environments, with approximately 95 percent meeting Living Building Challenge Red List requirements.

Today, the UC Davis Health Folsom Medical Care Clinic stands as the first phase of a healthcare campus that will continue to grow alongside the surrounding community. The facility expands access to outpatient medical services while establishing a strong healthcare presence along the Highway 50 corridor.

Just as importantly, the project reflects what can happen when owners, designers, builders, and trade partners work together toward a shared goal, delivering a facility that will support patients, caregivers, and the community for years to come.