DAVIS, Calif.—McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. (McCarthy), in collaboration with SmithGroup and UC Davis Health, has announced the groundbreaking of the UC Davis Health California Tower project, a transformative healthcare facility set to redefine patient care and community health in Sacramento. This 910,000 square-foot, $3.7 billion project promises to enhance health outcomes and support the socioeconomic fabric of the region. 

The California Tower will feature a 14-story hospital facility and a five-story pavilion, adding 334 private patient rooms designed to improve recovery and reduce infection rates. This state-of-the-art facility, connected to the existing Surgery and Emergency Services Pavilion, also includes two helicopter landing decks, advanced imaging and support services, and complex procedure rooms, ensuring comprehensive healthcare delivery for the next 50 years. 

The progressive design-build project has been marked by strategic planning and strong collaboration from the start, allowing the teams to navigate the project’s duration and scope more easily. “We proactively developed a comprehensive staffing rotation strategy from the project’s inception, ensuring team well-being and continual growth,” said Bryan Anderson, Executive Vice President, Operations at McCarthy. “With such a big team working on a large healthcare project, culture is very important. We dedicated time early on focusing on our culture as a team and outlining how we want to behave, operate, communicate, and treat each other.” 

UC Davis Health has a longstanding commitment to providing high-quality care, especially to underserved populations. The California Tower project is an extension of this mission, offering a robust health care safety net and addressing the region’s hospitalization needs. The project will create hundreds of construction jobs, utilize local vendors, and upon completion, provide permanent employment opportunities, thereby contributing to community wealth-building and addressing social determinants of health. 

“The mission of UC Davis Health is to improve the health and well-being of our community, and the California Tower project is a significant step toward achieving that goal. This state-of-the-art facility will increase our bed capacity to provide a flexible facility to handle all levels of specialized care. The most vulnerable populations will have access to high-quality healthcare services,” said Jill Tomczyk, Executive Director of Strategic Programs at UC Davis Health. 

Sustainability is also at the heart of the California Tower, with the project on track for LEED Gold certification. The building’s design includes energy-efficient systems, indoor environmental quality enhancements, water use reduction, and rainwater management strategies, all contributing to a greener, more sustainable healthcare environment. 

The California Tower’s architectural design complements the existing UC Davis Medical Center campus while setting a new vision for healthcare facilities. The 230-foot tower will be a prominent feature of the local skyline, with unitized curtain wall panels mixed with metal fins, and structural glass planes enhancing both aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. This design ensures patient privacy and supports reduced energy consumption, creating a welcoming and sustainable environment. 

“The California Tower synthesizes innovative medical planning, state-of-the-art building technologies and thoughtful patient and staff-centered design to meet the healthcare needs of the future,” said Chee Keong Lin, Vice President and Health Studio Leader at SmithGroup. “This transformative healthcare facility will provide a destination of healing and a vital resource for Sacramento and its surrounding northern California communities.” 

The project is slated for completion in 2030. 

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BOSTON—HGA has announced the completion of the new Center for Advanced Heart Failure & Cardiomyopathy Care at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) in Boston. HGA reimagined the patient and provider experience, to create the new outpatient clinic through a full-gut renovation of approximately 11,000 square feet on BIDMC’s West Campus.

BIDMC is part of Beth Israel Lahey Health, the current leading cardiovascular services provider in eastern Massachusetts, seeing more than 5,000 patients each year with advanced heart failure. A chronic condition, heart failure can be treated, managed, and sometimes cured.

The newly designed outpatient clinic accepted its first patients in June 2024. It consists of 10 exam rooms, and several specialized spaces for performing echocardiograms stress-tests, ultrasound, and two infusion treatment rooms specific to the care of heart failure patients. Staff spaces were uniquely designed, balancing off-stage areas to allow for respite and focus, with on-stage open nurse stations and carefully positioned sightlines. Footsteps and travel distances were of paramount focus throughout the design, both for staff operational efficiency and patient experience.

The design creates a warm, welcoming, and anxiety-reducing setting for patients while incorporating BIDMC’s design standards by featuring shades of blue, purple, and beige. In addition to modern flooring and innovative lighting, HGA designed a contemporary ceiling feature in the waiting area. This organically shaped and naturally patterned lighting feature provides a soothing, calm environment for patients and their families. This feature was inspired by the fractal patterns and shadows found with the leaves of forest canopies, immediately creating a sense of comfort and reduction in stress.

During the early stages of the design process, HGA’s design team, including members of the Design Insight Group, met with key stakeholders for a two-day workshop focused on developing the new clinic with a comprehensive patient care model that serves patient treatment and testing needs. In advance of the workshop, HGA researched current state assessments to identify Critical to Quality (CTQ) metrics, laying the groundwork for a productive and informed collaboration with the clinical staff and key stakeholders. The HGA research team worked with the clinic manager to plan for anticipated volumes.

“The HGA team was able to collaboratively identify the design that best met the goals for the new clinic,” said Kevin Wyrsch, HGA principal. “The purposefully designed facility required technical healthcare design for groundbreaking technology that supports the Center for Advanced Heart Failure & Cardiomyopathy Care’s support of the  Beth Israel Lahey Health heart transplant program.”

Goals that guided the clinic design included:

• Human Experience: clear wayfinding and easy access, quality of environment to match quality of care, bring the services to the patient, right size staff lounge, provide soothing views of Boston’s Emerald Necklace
• Operational Efficiency: sufficient storage, conveniently located, Universal, flexible exam rooms and infusion spaces, staff visualization flow, easy to maintain finishes and materials
• Clinical Outcomes: safe waiting for immunocompromised patients, exam rooms close to phlebotomy, space to accommodate a six-minute walk test

The project included HGA’s architects, medical planners, interior designers, and lighting designers, in addition to HGA’s Design Insight Group to collect data and develop processes.

Specialty Consultants and Partners:

• MEPFP Engineer: Fitzemeyer & Tocci Associates, Inc.
• Structural Engineer: Souza True & Partners. Inc.
• Construction Manager: Suffolk Construction

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PHILADELPHIA—Jefferson Health recently opened the Honickman Center, now home to over a dozen specialty practices previously scattered throughout 10 buildings.

Stantec, a global integrated design firm, served as the architect of record for fit-out of the building. Stantec partnered with Ennead Architects, the core and shell architect, to help plan the facility for its intended ambulatory care use.

Located in the heart of Center City Philadelphia, the $762 million, 462,000-square-foot facility serves as a catalyst for changing the health system’s delivery of care. Virtual and technology strategies augment physical space planning, engaging patients and offering convenience during the pre-arrival stage of care. Valet and concierge services support a seamless arrival experience.

Reimagining care with the support of new technologies allowed the Stantec team to eliminate spaces and streamline processes. Traditional steps along a patient’s journey were eliminated by bringing services to the patient at their point of care. The intake process, which typically requires stopping at an alcove to collect height and weight information, now occurs in the private exam room. Information is automatically transmitted to the patient’s electronic medical record, using smart exam tables.

“By collaborating closely with the care team at Jefferson Health, we were able to create process improvements that enhance the patient experience, staff workflow, and spatial implications,” said Kristy Hollis, principal for Stantec. “We are proud to help create a place where our Philadelphia community can receive the best comprehensive care that supports their health and well-being.”

The Honickman Center includes over 300 exam rooms, 58 infusion chairs, 8 operating rooms, 5 endoscopy rooms, imaging, lab services, and a pharmacy. The tower also features two levels of amenity space available to patients, visitors, and the public. Amenities include a large café, community event space, and a large-scale lounge area. As patients move up to the clinical floors, public spaces are smaller and support a quiet and calm experience. The offering of amenities continues with programs like image recovery and lounge space for cancer patients and access to a rooftop terrace on the 15th floor.

While convenient for patients, this vertical campus proved challenging from a construction logistics standpoint. With only inches between the building perimeter and property line, all construction activity had to occur within the footprint of the building itself. Standardizing the building layout and prototyping exams spaces allowed for more than 300 exam rooms across 10 stories, fully constructed out of prefabricated demountable partitions and a standard kit of parts. This just-in-time strategy resulted in the floors being turned over to Jefferson months quicker than traditional stick-built methods.

An estimated 15-20 percent of the global population is neurodivergent, and design focused on reducing stress in patients must consider the neurodivergent as well as the neurotypical. With the leadership of the Jefferson Center for Autism and Neurodiversity, as well as input from neurodivergent focus groups, Stantec’s designers created a destination that supports a positive care experience for all.

Upon arrival, patients can obtain sensory support kits. Neutral yet warm finishes, free of bold patterns, set a calming and welcoming tone. Waiting spaces provide large- and small-scale seating that integrate tactile elements, soothing motions, or reduction in ambient noise. These areas also include feature walls and dynamic art installations meant to reduce anxiety and provide positive distraction. Glazing is utilized at many of the transitions between environments, allowing patients to anticipate and prepare for what is next in their journey.

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CINCINNATI, Ohio—Skanska, a leading construction and development firm, has announced the completion of the renovation of the new Blood Cancer Healing Center, a new space for patients served by the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center. This facility marks a historic milestone in cancer care, addressing the critical needs of the 1.6 million individuals affected by blood cancers in the U.S. annually.

The newly opened center marks a significant advancement in healthcare infrastructure and medical research. It stands as the nation’s most comprehensive blood cancer facility, uniquely offering every aspect of care—from inpatient and outpatient services to survivorship, integrative medicine, spiritual support, and cutting-edge research—all under one roof.

The center represents a significant step forward in the fight against blood cancer, offering patients access to the latest treatments and supporting researchers in their search for solutions. What makes this project even more unique is that here, patients receive access to world-class care and also receive a personalized care plan inclusive of whole-body wellness through the Osher Center for Integrative Health – one of only 11 in the world.

“Skanska is grateful to have been part of this transformative project,” said Chris Hopper, executive vice president and general manager for Skanska USA Building. “Our team has worked hard to make sure the new center offers a modern setting for both treatment and research. This collaboration shows our dedication to improving healthcare facilities and providing high-quality spaces that support medical discoveries and patient care.”

Champlin Architecture served as the lead architect on the project.

“Champlin had the privilege and honor of working on the UC Blood Cancer Healing Center which will provide a comprehensive approach to blood cancer treatment,” said Priya Dhuru, Principal with Champlin Architecture. “The Center will focus on multiple levels of cancer care and each portion of the building is an integral part in providing the community with a one-stop location for comprehensive care of all types of blood cancers.”

The 218,000-square-foot renovation project includes significant building upgrades and enhancements to meet UC Health and the University of Cincinnati’s standards. Formerly a hospital for Shriner’s, Skanska successfully converted the existing facility into a cutting-edge center for blood cancer treatment and research. Additionally, the project involved renovating the adjacent 197,000-square-foot parking garage, providing improved access and convenience for patients, staff, and visitors.

The fourth and fifth floors of the facility will further expand to include a retail pharmacy, blood cancer research labs, integrative medicine and survivorship wellness programs to complement patient care.

Key Features of the project include:

• Inpatient and outpatient care settings, including 30 inpatient beds
• Outpatient and infusion clinics.
• Survivorship and supportive services.
• Access to novel therapies and cutting-edge medical options, including cellular and stem cell therapies, through an Advanced Therapies unit.
• Integrative health therapies, including group wellness spaces, to support patients at every stage, mitigate side effects during treatment, and enhance overall quality of life.
• Extended care area will offer round-the-clock outpatient symptom support for all cancer patients.
• Transformation of the Former Shriners Hospital: The building has been converted into a specialized center for blood cancer treatment and research. This includes upgrading MEPFP systems, elevators, IT infrastructure, security, signage, hardware, and parking controls.
• Renovation of the Adjacent Parking Garage: The existing 197,000-square-foot parking garage has been renovated to enhance functionality and accessibility.
• Occupancy Details: The University of Cincinnati will occupy the fourth and fifth floors for research purposes, while UC Health will utilize the remaining three floors for treatment and patient care.
• The fourth and fifth floors of the facility will further expand to include a retail pharmacy, blood cancer research labs, integrative medicine and survivorship wellness programs to complement patient care. (Renderings of the fourth and fifth floors are included in packaging).
• Exterior Enhancements: The existing masonry facade has been sealed and restored, preserving the building’s historical integrity while ensuring modern functionality.

The Blood Cancer Healing Center’s world-class, women-led research team and care teams are at the forefront of cancer research, as blood cancer research has led to breakthrough discoveries for other forms of cancer.

The vision of John C. Byrd, MD, a leading figure in blood cancer care and research globally, the Blood Cancer Healing Center offers care in an accessible setting that feels like home for patients. “The Blood Cancer Healing Center embodies a new chapter in cancer care. With personalized, holistic care and pioneering research coming together under one roof, we are not just treating patients; we are giving them hope for a brighter future,” Dr. Byrd, a University of Cincinnati Cancer Center physician researcher, stated.

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AUSTIN, Texas—Austin Regional Clinic (ARC) has embarked on a transformative project to replace a prefabricated metal building at its Ben White Boulevard location with a two-story, state-of-the-art medical office building. The Central Texas healthcare provider hired Lawrence Group Architects to perform a feasibility study and design for the new building.

Lawrence Group began the project by performing a detailed feasibility study of existing buildings on the site and assessing the area for programmatic and infrastructural conditions. The study informed ARC administrators to opt for a new building, bypassing a costly adaptive reuse option.

The 63,000-square-foot project will mark ARC’s debut of an Ambulatory Surgery Center which will occupy half of the clinic’s first level. The remainder of the building’s space will feature a comprehensive suite of specialty care services such as dermatology, podiatry, cardiology, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal and more.

Currently progressing through the City of Austin’s permitting approval process, construction on the medical office building is expected to begin in July 2024.

“Lawrence Group played a pivotal role in tailoring the building’s spaces to meet ARC’s precise requirements, while adhering to city and state regulations. The subsequent design phase encompasses site improvements and the construction of a flexible building that can accommodate a multitude of medical uses,” said Lawrence Group Austin’s Managing Principal Luma Jaffar, AIA, RIBA, LEED BD+C.

The patient-centered design incorporates locally sourced materials, such as the use of limestone veneer with dark metal panels to reflect ARC’s community-focused values, plus wood panels throughout the interior that provide a welcoming ambiance for patients and staff alike.

The project is designed to achieve an Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) 3 Stars rating through the use of sustainable materials, energy efficient systems, and natural daylighting.

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PHOENIX—Valleywise Health opened its new 673,000-square-foot, 10-story medical center to patients on June 13, replacing the legacy hospital that has served the community for more than 50 years.

After years of construction and months of planning, Valleywise Health staff is moving more than 200 patients from the existing tower to the new state-of-the-art facility. Each will have an individual patient room designed for both function and comfort, featuring private bathrooms and sleeper sofa/recliners.

The new Valleywise Health Medical Center has been decades in the making,” said Steve Purves, Valleywise Health President and CEO. “We’re thrilled to open it to the community today and grateful for all the support we’ve received since our funding measure was passed in 2014.”

Within the new hospital, the Diane & Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center occupies an entire floor, boasting three dedicated trauma bays, a dedicated pediatric wing, a large physical occupational therapy room, a hyperbaric chamber and space for research and teaching.

“It’s hard to overstate the value of having a world-class public teaching hospital right here in this neighborhood,” shared Phoenix Mayor, Kate Gallego. “Valleywise Health has been a fixture in our community for over 100 years, and I think it’s safe to say the $935 million commitment to bring this new facility to fruition couldn’t have been put to better use.”

Also open to patients today, the new 34,550-square-foot emergency department includes three trauma bays, 88 private rooms, a dedicated pediatric space, indoor and rooftop decontamination showers as well as ground floor and rooftop helipads. By 2026, Valleywise Health anticipates nearly 86,000 emergency visits annually.

“The new hospital was designed to put patients first,” Purves added. “It incorporates both the latest technology and design improvements that will ensure comfort for both patients and their families. Beyond that, it makes unprecedented resources available to the hundreds of residents that Valleywise Health doctors train every year.”

Cuningham Group served as architect and Kitchell as the general contractor. The new medical center will host a variety of specialties including cardiology, trauma and emergency, maternity, NICU, oncology, pharmacy, radiology and more. With ten operating rooms, two interventional radiology areas, two cardiac catheterization labs and two helipads, the new site represents significant growth over the legacy site that opened in 1971.

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In recent years, the landscape of healthcare infrastructure has undergone a significant transformation. With the closure of many hospitals and the relocation of medical professionals, we’re seeing a growing need for enhanced access to healthcare across the United States. A study from Drexel University noted that a substantial portion of the U.S. population residing in the suburbs lacked health insurance and experienced difficulties accessing care. The renewed importance of providing accessible healthcare has prompted a number of innovative solutions to address this growing demand. One such method gaining traction is the adaptive reuse of former retail buildings, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution to fulfill community needs.

Prior to the pandemic, healthcare systems were already grappling with the challenge of decentralizing services and enhancing accessibility to localized caregivers. Rising lease costs and the need for cost-effective solutions fueled the consolidation of outpatient practices. However, the onset of the pandemic accelerated this trend, intensifying the pressure to expedite these efforts. With a stark downturn in big box real estate due to the lack of in-person traffic, a unique real estate opportunity arose for healthcare systems to repurpose these spaces into medical facilities, providing a ready-made solution to their growing needs. Adaptive reuse of former retail buildings offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution to better fulfill community demands and is continuing to gain traction today.

As more healthcare systems consider outpatient consolidation efforts in former commercial spaces, there are several key considerations to evaluate before committing to an adaptive reuse approach and site.

Construction Benefits of Adaptive Reuse

One of the primary advantages of repurposing former retail spaces for healthcare facilities is the speed to market. A traditional new building project can take years, whereas adaptive reuse may take several months, depending on the project’s scale. Unlike new construction, which can be labor and resource intensive, adaptive reuse projects can leverage existing infrastructure, significantly reducing construction timelines. This transformation is also a sustainable way to repurpose existing buildings while reducing material waste and consumption.

These projects can also offer inherent advantages when it comes to zoning and local permit approvals. Former retail spaces are frequently situated in established commercial zones, streamlining the permitting process and minimizing regulatory hurdles. Without needing to disturb the land by creating added parking or site elements, the land development approval process can be substantially simplified (although local zoning approvals should be researched in advance to avoid any unexpected obstacles). Additionally, these locations are often already recognizable and accessible to local communities, fostering a sense of familiarity and convenience for patients.

Repurposing existing buildings also typically incurs lower long-term rent costs compared to building from the ground up. Landlords recognize the stability of healthcare tenants, and can offer competitive leases for their empty commercial properties—a solution that ultimately benefits both parties. This financial advantage makes adaptive reuse projects a more sustainable option for healthcare systems, allowing them to allocate additional resources toward patient care rather than overhead expenses.

Site Considerations and Potential Pitfalls

While retail-to-healthcare adaptive reuse presents numerous benefits, several considerations must be addressed prior to signing a lease to ensure a successful bottom line. This underscores the importance of involving relevant professionals from the onset. These experts can help conduct the necessary due diligence during the scouting phase and help to determine the scope of the project.

Site selection plays a crucial role in determining the viability of a location. Factors such as entire costs, compatibility with adjacent practices, and lengthy lease terms must be carefully evaluated to mitigate financial risks. Attractive rent with lower cost-per-square-foot and a larger tenant improvement subsidy is just one metric. In actuality, we have observed that these costs have a disproportionate impact when selecting real estate, as other unanticipated expenses and hurdles may appear during renovation. Therefore, design professionals should be involved in the site selection process in order to determine the structural benefits and pitfalls associated with a building, especially when it comes to specialty practices. Professionals can further consult on location planning with key elements such as patient experience in arrival, parking, wayfinding and use of the building, the ability of the loading dock to support updated needs, or space for adjacent expansion and long-term flexibility.

As an example, we recently worked on several multi-floor projects that require careful consideration to accommodate large, heavy equipment. Before committing to a lease, it is important to ensure the floor structure can handle the vibration and weight of specialized equipment, such as advanced imaging. In contrast, for the Hackensack Meridian Health and Wellness Center at Eatontown, we transformed a former Toys “R” Us retail building into a multi-practice ambulatory care facility. This layout provided the ideal structure for the outpatient facility, with an expansive footprint and tall ceilings, all built on a sturdy first floor.

Due to the fact that each structure comes with its own set of benefits and challenges, from utilities to structural constraints, the most successful retail-to-ambulatory conversion projects are ones with a strong understanding of the limitations from the start in order to avoid unexpected costs during the renovation process. Moreover, it’s essential to consider the unique needs of healthcare providers and caregivers. While standardization offers efficiency, customization may be necessary to accommodate specific workflows and patient preferences. Balancing these requirements while optimizing space utilization requires careful planning and stakeholder engagement. Bringing on design professionals early in the planning phase is critical to identify challenges in advance and proactively develop solutions.

Involving the Proper Expertise

To get ahead of the potential pitfalls of adaptive reuse and set the renovation project up for success, you must engage experts with the requisite knowledge for successful execution. Design, project management, and construction teams with experience in healthcare facility conversions can navigate the complexities of such projects effectively. While cost considerations are important, prioritizing expertise over budgetary constraints is crucial to achieving desirable outcomes. Expectations of costs associated with design and construction must be influenced by real-world knowledge, factoring in challenges with lead times, accounting for inflation, labor supply and subcontractor availability, in addition to experience, ongoing fluctuations in material availability, and labor pricing. Too often, budgets are set based on previous project knowledge, not factoring in the changes in construction and design costs, market conditions or industry trends.

Multi-practice outpatient suites require immense planning, especially considering the number of walls needed to create an abundance of exam rooms compared to an in-patient suite. With the increased amount of architectural and planning time needed, costs also rise. By aligning expectations and embracing innovation, stakeholders can collaborate effectively to maximize the potential of adaptive reuse projects.

It’s clear that the adaptive reuse of former retail facilities will remain prevalent in the coming years, and presents a compelling opportunity to enhance healthcare accessibility for communities across the United States. This solution affords property owners, healthcare systems, and design professionals with the ability to leverage existing infrastructure while minimizing construction timelines and regulatory hurdles. This strategy serves not only to increase the accessibility of health services in the areas in which they operate, but also provides a model and means of accommodating the growing demand for accessible healthcare environments nationwide, ultimately yielding spaces that are more holistically ingrained in the lives of the people they serve.

Aran McCarthy, AIA, NCARB, is President of FCA.

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LAKEVILLE, Minn.—Allina Health can now serve patients with expanded care offerings and provide coordinated care in the Twin Cities south metro through the opening of its new Lakeville Specialty Center. A ribbon-cutting event was held on May 16 and offered tours of the new building. Additionally, in recognition of Allina Health’s position as the Official Health Care Provider of Minnesota United FC, the event also included a special appearance by MNUFC players.

The 100,000-square-foot center includes more than 10 specialty services, including heart care, dermatology, orthopedics, women’s health and more. Patients can find peace of mind when unexpected illnesses and injuries happen by visiting the center’s urgent care, which includes Allina Health’s first orthopedic urgent care.

“We understand people prefer care close to home and that most of us choose to avoid the hospital setting when possible,” said Bill Evans, Vice President of Ambulatory Operations for Allina Health. “The Allina Health Lakeville Specialty Center is the result of the careful planning of many colleagues and community partners who recognize the importance of adapting to changing health care needs and working together to create options which better serve our patients.”

Wold Architects and Engineers, a St. Paul-based architectural and engineering firm with extensive healthcare design expertise, led the design for many of the Allina Health specialty clinic spaces, including areas to support dermatology, imaging, Mental Health Integration (MHI), orthopedics, rheumatology and more.

“We are honored to have been a part of this project and are grateful for our ongoing partnership with Allina Health,” said Andrew Jordan, Principal at Wold Architects and Engineers. “We’re proud we could help bring these new clinic spaces to life and look forward to seeing the positive impact the new center will have on the community in Lakeville for many years to come.”

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DANVILLE, Pa.—Warfel Construction joined forces with Acadia Healthcare and Geisinger to commemorate the start of construction for the Acadia Geisinger Behavioral Health Hospital in Danville on May 8, 2024.

The 72,578-square-foot medical facility is set to introduce 96 new patient beds and will serve more than 1.2 million people across 45 counties in Pennsylvania. With a focus on delivering essential care for individuals grappling with behavioral health disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), this facility will offer a beacon of hope and a path to recovery for adult, adolescent, and pediatric patients.

This new hospital will also serve as a teaching hospital, training students and residents from Geisinger’s College of Health Sciences. The design firm for the project is Stengel Hill.

President of Warfel Construction, Conlan Swope, emphasized the company’s unwavering commitment to enhancing community well-being, stating, “We are deeply honored to contribute to this initiative and recognize the paramount importance of accessible behavioral health services within our communities.”

In addition to Warfel’s extensive behavioral health portfolio, this collaboration represents Warfel Construction’s second partnership with Acadia Healthcare and Geisinger in the development of behavioral health hospitals. Geisinger and Acadia opened a similar hospital in Moosic in August 2023.

“More than just a new building, this behavioral health hospital is a testament to our dedication to nurturing a better, healthier community,” said Rusty Hoffman, Project Executive.

Projected for completion in the Spring of 2025, Warfel Construction remains committed to positively impacting our communities by applying our specialized expertise in constructing these facilities.

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BUTTE COUNTY, Calif.—A groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning of construction for Enloe Health’s new Gonzales Comprehensive Cancer Center. The new state-of-the-art facility will serve Northern California communities, offering advanced treatments and equipment with compassionate, patient-focused care.

Located in Butte County, where cancer is the leading cause of death, the Gonzales Comprehensive Cancer Center will offer life-saving cancer care as well as education and screening, in an accessible location. With a partnership that began in 2022, Enloe Health engaged HGA’s interdisciplinary team to design a facility that could support a wide range of treatments, enhance the patient experience, support staff wellbeing, and provide a connection to the community.

“We chose to partner with HGA because of their strong healthcare and cancer facility expertise. HGA’s thorough research and benchmarking of other cancer facilities resulted in a design for the Gonzales Comprehensive Cancer Center that will offer our communities the advanced care they need and want, without having to drive far from home,” said Mike Wiltermood, President & CEO of Enloe Health.

HGA’s design includes various holistic and biophilic elements including a healing garden, a family lounge with an outdoor patio, and a quiet room. When accessing the facility from the west side patients will be immersed in nature, with pathways covered in trees and other plantings leading from the parking lot to a healing garden at the west entrance. An elegant water feature will create a sense of peace and a ceremonial bell, that will be rung by patients who have completed treatment, is intended to inspire a sense of hope and ease patient anxiety before stepping into the facility.

Once inside, patients will be welcomed by an abundance of natural light and soothing warm colors flowing throughout. Clear wayfinding will direct patients throughout the three-story facility and waiting areas are strategically located in view of administrative staff for patient support and guidance. Arranged for patient ease and accessibility, the first floor will include the radiation and oncology departments, a patient and family resource center, and an alternative therapy suite including acupuncture, massage, and other support services. The second floor will consist of clinics, with universal exam rooms and the ability to flex and expand as patient needs shift. The third floor will house infusion services.

On the third floor, windows will wrap around three sides and an expansive outdoor deck will offer patients receiving infusions views of nature, including mountains to the east. Patients will have a variety of options for where they receive their treatment including community infusion spaces, private rooms, and infusion bays. A comfortable seating area featuring a fireplace will create a warm, homelike atmosphere. Vertical sunshades on the outside of the building are designed to prevent direct sun and excessive heat, while allowing for ample glazing and views to the exterior.

Equally important to patient comfort and care is staff wellness. Included on all floors, staff lounges will provide respite, away from patient care areas. Staff lounges will open to outdoor spaces and are designed with a living room feel, with soft lounge seating and a coffee bar. Each floor will include separate patient and staff hallways for circulating throughout the facility, providing staff respite and allowing for shift preparation outside of patient view

“Working with Enloe Health was a rewarding experience because of their goal of focusing on the patient experience,” said Jennifer Ries, medical planner with HGA. “We implemented our holistic design approach, focusing on how the patients and staff would use the space, which naturally aligned with Enloe’s vision for the new cancer center.”

Expected to be complete in Summer of 2026, the Gonzales Comprehensive Cancer Center will fill an increasing, critical need for cancer care and resources in Northern California. Read Enloe Health’s press release here.

In addition to Ries, project team members include James Willsie, principal –in-charge; Karenda MacDonald, project manager; Kevin Day, lead designer; Tracy Randall, interior design lead; and Shaun Coffey, designer.

Project collaborators include:

General Contractor: Swinerton
Structural Engineering: Buehler
Electrical /Low Voltage: ECOM
Mechanical/Plumbing Engineering: Weston and Associates
Security: Marquis
Medical Equipment Planning: Criterion
Civil Engineering: Northstar
Landscape Architecture: Fuhrman Leamy Land Group
Physicist Consultant: Therapy Physics, Inc.
Art Consulting: Grigio Consulting
Program Management: Covalus

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