The developer responsible for revitalizing some of Fresno’s most recognizable landmarks can begin work on his next project — and he says it will be a big positive for southeast Fresno.

Sevak Khatchadourian said the 33-acre University Medical Center campus recently left escrow. United Health Centers already agreed to purchase one of the 20 buildings for a clinic, he said.

Khatchadourian will soon submit a master plan to the city that could include housing, retail, and the medical clinic. He said the campus has “amazing potential.”

“People when they think about it, they only thought it was the hospital — there’s a huge 30 acres that comes with it,” Khatchadourian said. “That was the part that people overlooked, It’s basically a small city.”

Vacant Buildings Are in Good Shape: Khatchadourian

Khatchadourian bought the 620,000-square-foot UMC campus in October 2023 for $6 million. The property at Kings Canyon and Cedar has been largely vacant since 2006. But despite years of vandalism, Khatchadourian says the buildings are still in good shape.

“It’s been broken into, you have broken glass, stolen copper piping, those are all simple things for me to take care of,” Khatchadourian said.

Khatchadourian also rehabilitated the Pacific Southwest Building in downtown Fresno. He said every room there had a problem.

The structure is solid, though. Built as a hospital, converting it to apartments will be easy, he said. It could be between 275 and 300 units. He’s not sure if it he will make it senior housing or market rate with an affordable component, he said.

The United Health Centers medical clinic will be 19,000 square feet.

Fresno County will continue to operate out of some of the buildings until they move to their Clovis location, Khatchadourian said.

He said he has the “conceptual aspect” figured out, and with a few more meetings with the city, they can determine what needs to be done and what part the city will play in that.

“I am encouraged by the potential of this development. I have met with the developer, Sevak Khatchadourian and offered my insights as to what the city would like to see on the property in terms of housing, amenities, and services,” said Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer. “I look forward to working with the developers as this project proceeds.”

Downtown Radisson Close to Having a New Brand

Work on the Pacific Southwest Building has finished, Khatchadourian said. Across the street, he has been working on the Helm Building and expects to pull permits within a month. Less than a quarter-mile away, he’s working with the designer on the vacant former Radisson Hotel building.

“We have two flag names (and) we’re going to choose one and move forward on it,” Khatchadourian said. “So, it’s all some exciting news here, all over the place.”