Published October 1, 2026
By JUNE EMERSON
With a vision of broadening access to healthcare for Monterey Country residents, Montage Health purchased the Carmel Rancho Shopping Center for $37.5 million on April 16, with plans to transform portions of the shopping center into an outpatient medical center.
Montage plans to preserve the shopping center’s existing buildings while developing a range of healthcare services for patients in one location, including a full-service imaging center with radiology, CT scans and MRI services, as well as laboratory and rehabilitation treatments in the new medical complex.
The nonprofit health system says their goal is to consolidate multiple outpatient services in one location, making specialized care more accessible to Carmel residents, allowing patients to meet more of their medical needs in one place and elevating the experience.
“Throughout this process, we remain committed to serving the community and being a responsible steward of the Carmel Rancho property,” says Monica Sciuto, Montage Health’s communications manager. “An experienced property management team will support existing tenants and help ensure the property remains well-maintained with services for our community as plans evolve.”
The expansion intentionally addresses a gap in specialized healthcare services in Carmel. Before the purchase, the company’s chief operating officer, Daniel Chibaya, said the company saw an opportunity to bring more jobs, careers and care closer.
“We have no cardiologists, neurologists, surgeons or OB-GYNs in Carmel, making us want to bring those services closer to where people live,” says Chibaya.
Montage plans on hiring dozens of new healthcare professionals as the project develops, creating additional career opportunities on the Monterey Peninsula.
Montage Health buys out Carmel Rancho Shopping Center for $37.5 million in hopes to further access to healthcare on the Monterey Peninsula. photo by JUNE EMERSON
The nonprofit collective currently operates 67 healthcare-focused facilities and has more than 100 doctors and providers across the Monterey Peninsula. About 80 providers are in the Monterey and Ryan Ranch areas, 20 are in Marina and eight are in Carmel, though they are not currently accepting patients.
“The Montage Health Foundation is raising $20 million to assist with the building renovations, equipment and technology that will go into the new Carmel Rancho medical campus,” says Michele Young, director of the Montage Health Foundation.
The purchase of the Carmel Rancho Shopping Center gives Montage an opportunity to expand its presence in Carmel and meet patient demand without replacing the shopping center entirely. Rather than relying on heavy demolition or major infrastructure changes, Montage plans to accommodate the center’s existing businesses and services while developing healthcare facilities into vacant spaces, including the former Prim’s building.
The project remains in the early stages of development, and Montage has not yet selected the companies to design the medical spaces. They expect new healthcare services will open on the property within two to three years.
As plans move forward, the Carmel Rancho Shopping Center will allow Montage Health to expand specialized care in Carmel while maintaining the role the shopping center has in the community.
