Stone Health Center Opens
New Clinic is El Rio Health’s Largest to Date
By Tom Leyde
El Rio Health has done it again. The nonprofit has opened another comprehensive clinic– the new Stone Health Center.
It is El Rio’s largest facility, at 94,569 square feet. The building, vacant for 14 years, formerly housed Tucson Heart Hospital. After a May 12 preview event, with speeches and tours of the facility at 4888 N. Stone Avenue, the center officially opened its doors to patients on June 1.
“This will be the largest one (clinic) that has every service under one roof,” said Clinton Kuntz, DBH, president and CEO of El Rio Health. “We’re expecting at least 100 new jobs on top of other jobs that will be transferring here from our other site,” he said.
El Rio is the largest provider of medical and dental services for the uninsured and Medicaid populations in Pima County. It serves more than 130,000 patients annually and employs more than 1,900 people with an annual budget exceeding $400 million.
Besides primary medical and dental services for children, adults and families, the newest center will house El Rio’s largest behavioral health department. That will include the addition of a second pediatric/youth behavioral health team and El Rio’s new psychiatry residents.
Services also will include onsite mammography, ultrasound, lab, X-ray, same-day clinic, physical therapy, sports medicine, chiropractic care, health insurance navigators, community resource referrals, WIC and a pharmacy with a drive-up window. A mail order pharmacy is also included.
“It is an incredible investment in Tucson’s future,” Tucson Mayor Regina Romero said of the new clinic. “It’s an amazing addition to this neighborhood, bringing care closer to families who live, work and play here every day.
“This opening of this facility comes at an incredible time for our community, as too many families are facing uncertainty around healthcare costs and access to care,” Romero said. “The facility also reflects the growing needs we are seeing across Tucson, especially when it comes to mental and behavioral health care.
“A huge gap in services now exists and this facility will be incredibly resourceful for this gap. … We know that when people are healthy, they can build stability in their lives and thrive,” she said.
Developer Meridian purchased the building from Carondelet Medical Group and managed it during construction. It was designed by BWS Architects and constructed by Barker Contracting. The project generated 65 construction jobs and represents a $53 million investment.
“It was an honor to use our construction expertise in the healthcare industry to complete such a meaningful project,” said Brian Barker, president of Barker Contracting. “Our team showed incredible dedication, and we’re grateful for all of the talented trade partners that helped us achieve the aggressive schedule, including the architect, developer, and El Rio’s fantastic construction team. We’re thrilled with the outcome and are proud to have played this role in serving our community alongside El Rio.”
“El Rio really cares about the environment that is created for patients and staff — it is important to them to create professional and well-functioning spaces for all patients,” said Robin Shambach of BWS Architects.
“But it is also a priority for El Rio that their buildings and interiors are beautiful, and use natural light and color to support patients and staff wellbeing and dignity. In the case of Stone Clinic,” she said, “we also appreciated the opportunity to bring new purpose to the vacant building. Reusing an existing building of that scale is one of the most sustainable decisions we can make.”
The entire interior was gutted and rebuilt for El Rio’s needs. The design draws from a modern desert aesthetic that reflects the Southern Arizona region.
El Rio Health Foundation, led by Executive Director Brenda Goldsmith, led fundraising for the new clinic. It started with a goal of $10 million and launched the effort in December 2025. More than $1 million was pledged by El Rio employees, and board members also stepped up.
“As of today (May 12),” Goldsmith said, “we have raised $17.3 million. It’s the largest capital campaign ever in the country by a community health center. Everything is possible.”
Goldsmith also announced that the Margaret E. Mooney Foundation has contributed $500,000 for a permanent endowment fund to help with future operations.
El Rio Health was founded in 1970 as part of the early neighborhood health center movement. It grew out of a collaboration among community advocates, Pima County and the University of Arizona College of Medicine.
With 14 clinics in Tucson, its mission is to improve community health through comprehensive, accessible, affordable, quality and compassionate care. And its vision is to be a national model of excellent healthcare.
Photo by Solaris Photography
