ORANGE, Calif. (June 20, 2025) — Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), part of Rady Children’s Health, has opened a nine story, 330,000-square-foot outpatient and research facility on its Orange campus today, marking a major milestone in pediatric care and innovation. The tower will begin a phased opening from June 20 to June 24, bringing together more than 25 specialty clinics, advanced imaging, orthopedic rehabilitation, and an entire floor dedicated to pediatric research.
“This new tower represents the next chapter in CHOC’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and compassion,” says Kim Milstien, regional president, Orange County, Rady Children’s Health. “From the moment children and families walk through the doors, they’ll experience a space designed to support them as a whole person – physically, emotionally, and developmentally.”
Infused with Childhood at Every Turn
Guided by CHOC’s motto, “Long Live Childhood,” the tower was purposefully designed to honor the spirit of childhood. Natural light, calming colors, and vibrant themes featuring CHOC’s mascot, Choco, create a welcoming and whimsical environment.
CHOC was especially proud to partner with Mattel, whose generous support helped bring play and imagination into every level of the tower. Through a series of immersive lobby and floor displays, Mattel’s Global Corporate Events and Philanthropy team created installations that reflect the spirit of play with their beloved iconic brands — from Barbie® and Hot Wheels® to Polly Pocket®, UNO®, and Little People®. Each display transforms the environment into imaginative worlds and aligns with CHOC’s belief that childhood should never be paused, even during medical care.
In addition to these visual experiences, the tower incorporates a number of high-tech and child-centered features designed to make care more comfortable, educational, and accessible for patients and families alike:
– Two new MRI machines equipped with the Philips Ambient Experience system that has dynamic lighting, sounds and scenes (e.g., jungle, ocean, circus, etc.) designed to make the experience of getting an MRI less scary for kids. And while they wait to undergo their MRIs, children can learn about the procedure by using a “Kitten Scanner,” a play version of a CT scanner. The Kitten Scanner promotes health literacy, reduces anxiety, and supports the child’s successful completion of their scan.
– Multilingual wayfinding and digital check-in systems to streamline visits.
– “Science on Display” windows where children and families can observe real-time research in CHOC’s Wet Lab and Maker Space.
Specialty Care and Scientific Discovery
Each floor supports a wide range of pediatric specialties, from endocrinology and infectious diseases to pulmonology and oncology. The entire 9th floor is devoted to research and innovation. With more than 120 modular research stations and a Human Performance Lab that offers highly specialized research to help children with movement disorders, the CHOC Research Institute will triple its capacity to develop pediatric breakthroughs close to home.
Two floors (3rd and 8th) are shelled for future development, ensuring adaptability to meet evolving community needs.
A Community Investment in the Future of Childhood
Key philanthropic contributors supported both the construction of the tower and the vital programs within it. Principal donors include SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union; the Cheng Family Foundation; Sherry and John Phelan; and the Clemons Family Foundation.
“As a nonprofit pediatric healthcare system, CHOC relies on the generosity of our community to bring our mission to life. From donors who support life-changing care to corporate partners like Mattel who infuse our spaces with joy, this new tower is a testament to what’s possible when compassion and innovation come together for kids,” says Jessica Miley, senior vice president, chief development officer, CHOC Foundation.
When fully operational, the tower is expected to serve more than 168,000 outpatient visits in its first year, growing to over 180,000 annually by 2030. Design and construction partners include CannonDesign (architect/designer), McCarthy Building Companies (general contractor) and Jacobs (project management).
About CHOC
Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), part of Rady Children’s Health, is a nationally ranked pediatric healthcare system that includes two hospitals and a regional network of primary and specialty care clinics. CHOC offers several programs of excellence providing the highest levels of care for the most serious pediatric illnesses and injuries, physical and mental. CHOC’s research and innovation institutes are focused on translating real patient needs into real-world treatments so every child can live the heathiest and happiest life possible. Learn more at choc.org.
Media Contact: pr@choc.org
