Project category: New construction & Remodel/Renovation (completed July 2005)

Chief administrator: Tina Sauer, Office Manager, (920) 225-8008

Firm: Hoffman, LLC, (920) 380-2103

Design team: Terry Ellenbecker, Team Leader/Construction Manager; Mark Robbins, Project Architect; Tom Hoffman, Field Project Manager; Heather Feldt, Project Administrator; Chris Kiley, Project Accounting

Photography: ©2005 Image Studios

Total building area (sq. ft.): 8,135 (new); 5,841 (renovation)

Construction cost/sq. ft.: $140 (new); $140 (renovation)

Total construction cost (excluding land): $1,135,000 (new); $815,000 (renovation)


Originally built in 2001, the Hand and Upper Extremity Center of Northeast Wisconsin, Ltd./Woodland Surgery Center was designed for expansion. Additions and renovations appear original and include four exam rooms, four treatment rooms, a nurses’ station, a 1,900-sq.-ft. treatment area, and expanded business offices to provide for support staff, transcription, and therapists. While the surgery center remains unchanged, it is also designed to expand from two to four ORs.

The 44,050-sq.-ft. building appears as though it has grown out of its surroundings by the use of cultured stone, cedar siding, and Prairie-style architecture. As visitors arrive, they are led down a winding driveway through a wooded area designed to take the patient away from busy, everyday life and back to nature. The drive continues over a bridge connecting two ponds; several deer and waterfowl have made this site their permanent home.

The incorporation of wildlife and nature was intentional. The recovery bays and the entire physical therapy area, with expansive sustainable glazing, are oriented so they look out to the beautiful surroundings. The owner was determined to keep the natural landscape, reintroduce indigenous plants, and minimize site impact during construction. Additionally, these features help patients move through therapy much more quickly and pleasurably.

Design concepts were driven by the owner’s ultimate goal to create a healing environment, as well as a preferred place of employment, that incorporates nature and environmentally friendly features into the everyday experiences of both patients and staff.