Mercy Regional Health Center in Manhattan, Kansas, is the result of the consolidation of two existing healthcare facilities into a single entity on one campus. The owner’s vision from the beginning was that this new facility would provide the residents of multiple surrounding communities with patient-focused healthcare and associated services. With more than 146,000 square feet of new construction and more than 50,000 square feet of renovated space, the project replaces and expands hospital service capabilities.


The program for this project called for the replacement of inpatient beds with a new patient tower housing all private rooms. The new patient tower also accommodates a new Surgery Department, Intensive Care Unit, Progressive Care Unit, Emergency Department, Women’s Center, Lobby, Gift Shop, Admitting/Registration, Business Office, Pharmacy, and Central Sterile.

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

Chief administrator: Richard Allen, CEO, (785) 776-2831

Firm: HMN Architects, Inc., (913) 451-9075

Design team: J. David Brown, Principal-in-Charge; Lon Wehr, Project Architect; Robert A. Koenig, AIA, Construction Administration (HMN Architects, Inc.); David Krug, Principal-in-Charge, Mechanical Engineer (Brack & Associates Consulting Engineers); Thomas J. Hittle, Principal-in-Charge, Landscape Architect (Hittle Landscaping); Jim Miller, Project Manager (J.E. Dunn Construction Company)

Photography: J. David Brown; Mario Montecinos

Total building area (sq. ft.): 146,000 (new); 50,000 (renovation)

Construction cost/sq. ft.: $223 (new); $150 (renovation)

Total construction cost (excluding land): $32,500,000 (new); $7,500,000 (renovation)

Existing facility space was renovated to house Radiology, Laboratory, Respiratory Therapy, Cafeteria, Meeting Rooms, Administrative Offices, Medical Records, and Physician Lounge.

In the center of the hospital is a picturesque courtyard, designed to give patients, families, visitors, and staff a serene place in which to meditate or “get away.”

Multiple departmental waiting areas are provided with flexible seating arrangements for families large and small. Other amenities such as recliners, wet bars, fireplaces, extensive artwork, variable lighting control, and exterior views of three separate interior courtyards contribute to the overall ambience.