By Tony Bizjak And Michael Finch II
The Sacramento Kings and a local medical group announced Wednesday they have reached a deal to build a hospital and medical complex on the former Sleep Train Arena site in North Natomas.
Kings officials said they will turn over 35 acres of land, including the arena, to the locally based California Northstate University group to construct a major teaching hospital, trauma center and medical school that could bring up to 3,000 jobs as well as housing to the now unused site.
The level 2 trauma center would be 10 to 11 stories tall, and would start with 250 rooms, ultimately expanding to 400, officials said. It would include a helipad. The initial phase of the project could be built in about three and one-half years, university officials said…
Natomas Councilwoman Angelique Ashby said she is thrilled by the proposal, calling it a “placemaking moment,” that landing a medical center was one of the highest items on Natomas residents’ wish list for the site, and is in her opinion the best use for the site.
“This is an amazing opportunity for the city and an important component to the overall health and well-being of our entire region,” Ashby said.
