Health Care Architecture Honor Roll 

Regions Hospital Family Birth Center

The new birth center offers the latest care choices and a design that resonates with the multicultural desires of urban millennial mothers. To provide a more family-centered approach, the center offers enhanced couplet care rooms—a progressive birthing model that allows mother and baby to remain together in the same room, even when special needs, such as Level III NICU status, are involved. These rooms are more flexible to accommodate multiple births, as well as larger and culturally diverse families. Clean, fresh finishes pair a modern color scheme with geometric patterns to enhance wayfinding. Signage translated in seven languages and meditation spaces aid in the comfort of sometimes stressful situations. Staff experience similar soothing touches in break rooms, lactation spaces, and accessible, gender-neutral amenities.

Type of facility

Hospital Birth Center

Location

St. Paul, MN

Ownership organization

HealthPartners

Architect/Interior design

BWBR Architects, Inc.

Engineer

Multiple firms were used

Contractor

Krause Anderson Construction Company

Completion date

June 2021

Total cost

$58 Million

Square feet

160,000

Summit Orthopedics Lakeville Clinic

Modeled after other Summit Orthopedics locations, this two-story ASC and specialty care clinic uses a patient-focused, contemporary design to create a comforting, healing atmosphere. The two-story building uses high-quality building materials, HVAC systems and electrical systems to accommodate and comply with a variety of complex health care needs, providing a full spectrum of orthopedic care to the growing southern metro community. The building maximizes the limited site with architectural interest, using intersecting masses, bold materials and expansive glass to showcase the activity within the building. The covered entrance is highlighted with wood-style paneling, opening into a spacious lobby featuring multiple sitting areas, a fireplace and an open staircase with a branded feature wall upstairs. Branded purple lighting and on-building signage take advantage of the building’s proximity to I-35.

Type of facility

Ambulatory Surgery Center and Specialty Care Clinic 

Location

Lakeville, MN

Ownership organization

MSP Commercial

Architect/Interior design

Pope Architects

Engineer

Civil Site Group (Civil)/Innovative Structural Solutions (Structural)

Contractor

Bauer Design Build

Completion date

January 2022

Total cost

$9.1 Million

Square feet

25,005

Helmsley Behavioral Health Center

A new four-story wing was added to the Avera Behavioral Health Hospital in Sioux Falls. The Helmsley Behavioral Health Center adds 60,000 more square feet for treating psychiatric needs among children, youth and adults. This wing adds several new services including 24/7 Behavioral Health Urgent Care, observation care, youth addiction care services and partial hospitalization for youth. The wing also houses Avera’s senior behavioral health unit. In total there are now 146 inpatient behavioral health beds plus eight addiction residential beds for adolescents–all private rooms. The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust generously donated $13 million in grant and matching funding to help make this $28 million wing a reality. Around 770 other donors joined the cause.

Type of facility

Hospital

Location

Sioux Falls, SD

Ownership organization

Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center

Architect/Interior design

BWBR Architects, Inc.

Engineer

Ehrhart Griffin & Associates (Civil), Apex Structural Design, LLC (Structural)

Contractor

Journey Group

Completion date

March 2022

Total cost

$28 Million

Square feet

60,000

Altru Performance Center

An adaptive reuse of a former sporting goods store, located across the street from Altru Health System’s main campus, the space includes prefabricated DIRRT wall systems that help prevent future remodeling waste. The lobby features warm elements of wood and nature-derived blues, making a smooth transition to more private seating areas. These include a playful design of seating nooks and vibrant colors for pediatrics and sophisticated neutral tones and hospitality-inspired amenities for adults. The pediatric gym is built on the concept of a fun factory— bold and colorful with a state-of-the-art sensory gym, climbing walls, a ball pit and zip lines Three design schemes reflecting the Midwestern landscapes of “Field, River, and Prairie,” immerse guests in an outdoor experience while traveling through the interior space.

Type of facility

Adult and pediatric physical therapy and sports training

Location

Grand Forks, ND

Ownership organization

Altru Health System

Architect/Interior design

JLG Architects

Engineer

CMTA - Mechanical & Electrical

Contractor

Construction Engineers - CM

Completion date

March 2019

Total cost

N/A

Square feet

40,000

MNGI Digestive Health Clinic

Developed on a parcel shared with an existing specialty clinic, the MNGI Digestive Health ASC & Clinic builds upon a micro-market of health care providers in the vicinity. It offers a wide range of gastroenterology and digestive health services including outpatient procedures, infusion therapy, and comprehensive GI care with behavioral and dietary health support. To match neighboring structures, the clinic features brick, stone, and metal panels, with some creative architectural flourishes. A strong visual element, the main entrance features silver-colored panels surrounded by expansive high-performance glass and plentiful landscaping. These elements create a spacious feeling with abundant sunlight in the front lobbies. This theme is reflected throughout the building.

Type of facility

Ambulatory Surgery Center and Specialty Care Clinic

Location

Vadanis Heights, MN

Ownership organization

MSP Commercial

Architect/Interior design

Mohagen Hansen Architecture/Interiors 

Engineer

Civil Site Group (Civil), Innovative Structural Solutions (Structural)

Contractor

Gardener Builders

Completion date

June 2022

Total cost

$8.2 Million

Square feet

21,500

M Health Fairview - River Falls

The M Health Fairview - River Falls clinic was relocated and expanded. Providing a comfortable experience for patients of all ages, the welcoming lobby features a play area for children and a wide variety of seating options. The clinic features two different check-in processes —an automated self-check-in, or check in with the receptionist. The larger-than-life environmental landscapes depicted in the floor to ceiling murals bring beauty into the space and connect patients with nature. The large planter and stone fireplace incorporated into the lobby bring natural elements indoors. The clinic separates care teams into four pods, each with nine exam rooms, a nursing station, and offices for the practitioners. The pods are differentiated by carpet color and accent walls that coordinate with nearby murals to promote patient wayfinding. 

Type of facility

Clinic

Location

River Falls, WI

Ownership organization

M Health Fairview

Architect/Interior design

BDH

Engineer

MEP Associates

Contractor

Market & Johnson

Completion date

March 2021

Total cost

N/A

Square feet

19,200

Spectra Health

Located in the heart of downtown Grand Forks, ND, and East Grand Forks, MN, a coalition of provider partnerships created space to provide primary health care for vulnerable residents nearby who may lack insurance or transportation. Remodeling a former hospital’s second floor provided three behavioral health exam rooms, an optometry department, provider flex space, staff respite space, a lobby, reception alcove and waiting area —all connected by intuitive wayfinding that reduces communicative barriers for patients who do not speak English as their first language. Modular, demountable partitions were used for future adaptability and behavioral health patient privacy. Two large windows lighting the main corridors and waiting area were reconfigured to capture natural light and avoid obstruction, specifically in the behavioral wing where environmental wellness is concentrated.

Type of facility

Community Health Center/Clinic

Location

Grand Forks, ND

Ownership organization

Spectra Health

Architect/Interior design

JLG Architects

Engineer

Lunseth Plumbing and Heating (Mechanical) Right Choice Electric (Electrical)

Contractor

Construction Engineers

Completion date

September 2021

Total cost

$419,000

Square feet

2,880 - 2nd Floor

M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital EmPATH Unit

Minnesota’s first EmPATH (Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment and Healing) unit provides an innovative approach to emergency mental health care. It is designed for acute psychiatric patients to receive assessment and evaluation in a therapeutic and minimally restrictive setting. It provides a calm and comforting environment, allowing for movement and human interaction. It offers living room style open space with comfortable recliners and self-serve refreshment stations. Open nursing stations and unlocked rooms create an atmosphere of trust and allyship with the staff, while the mix of daylighting, views to nature and appropriate imagery establishes a sense of hope. In addition to providing a conducive environment for treatment, the EmPATH unit provides a gentle and benign setting for the care team to constantly evaluate a patient.

Type of facility

Emergency Psychiatric Treatment

Location

Edina, MN

Ownership organization

M Health Fairview

Architect/Interior design

BWBR Architects, Inc.

Engineer:

Dunham Engineering Associates, ESI Engineering, Inc.

Contractor

JE Dunn Construction Company

Completion date

March 2021

Total cost

$2.1 Million

Square feet

8,500

Xchange medical

The site where Xchange medical stands today was previously occupied by dilapidated office and warehouse buildings and a concrete parking lot. In 2015 Davis negotiated the purchase of this highly visible property at the intersection of Hwy 100 and 394. and spent the next five years redeveloping the 4.6 acre site. Today Xchange medical showcases a stunning modern exterior crafted primarily of honed stone and locally-sourced brick. It is the home to a full-service ENT practice, an exquisite six-room surgery center, specialty ophthalmology services and a state-of-the-art laser practice. Some notable features include a 5,000 square foot exterior healing garden, a two-story living wall, and a timeless yet modern overall design presence. Its sleek and contemporary aesthetic has created a positive economic impact and elevated community reputation.

Type of facility

Medical Office Building

Location

St. Louis, Park, MN

Ownership organization

Xchange MOB Partners, LLC

Architect/Interior design

Synergy Architecture Studio, LLC

Engineer:

Loucks (Civil), KOMA (Structural)

Contractor

Timco Construction

Completion date

November 2021

Total cost

$32 Million

Square feet

78,000

610 Medical

A state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery center at the new 610 Medical joins the expanding medical corridor off HWY 610 in Brooklyn Park. Allina Health Surgery provides its patients with exceptional healthcare in a comforting setting complete with site-specific artwork. Specialty surgery sites such as this have been coined “the future of care” as they provide a safe and convenient option for general surgeries that allow hospital beds to remain available to those who need them most. The building exterior is crafted primarily of natural stone, locally sourced brick, and resilient composite metal panel. The public lobby is brought to life through its floor-to-ceiling windows which welcome natural light deep into the space and frame the stunning statement chandelier glowing from within.

Type of facility

Ambulatory Surgery Center

Location

Brooklyn Park, MN

Ownership organization

610 MOB Partners, LLC

Architect/Interior design

Synergy Architecture Studio

Engineer:

Loucks (Civil), KOMA (Structural)

Contractor

Timco Construction

Completion date

June 2022

Total cost

N/A

Square feet

41,642

Children’s Minnesota - Minneapolis

Conversion of an existing medical/surgical unit into a new 10-bed, 9,700 square foot Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Located on the sixth floor, the remodel project updated existing patient rooms for young patients who are critically ill or injured, incorporating new life-saving medical and monitoring technology into the design. A welcoming reception desk/nurse station provides clear lines of sight to patient rooms and the entrance to the unit, adding extra visibility and security. The rebuild included a dedicated medication room, staff workroom, oxygen storage and two storage rooms. Also included was a family lounge with fantastic views of the downtown Minneapolis skyline and a comforting family conference / bereavement room. The space is bright, fresh and balances a sophisticated design with touches of whimsy and playfulness. 

Type of facility

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Location

Minneapolis, MN

Ownership organization

Children’s Minnesota

Architect/Interior design

Ryan A+E, Inc.

Engineer:

N/A

Contractor

McGough

Completion date

November 2021

Total cost

$858,000

Square feet

9,700