Project category: New construction & Remodel/Renovation (completed August 2004)

Chief administrator: Carl S. Amato, CEO, (704) 384-4000

Firms: McCulloch England Associates Architects, (704) 372-2740; Presbyterian Hospital, (704) 384-9988

Design team: Richard A. Henly, AIA, Architect (McCulloch England Associates Architects); Pat Campbell, Director of Women’s and Children’s Services (Presbyterian Hospital); Bob Glusenkamp, AIA, Contractor (Rodgers Builders); Mary K. Shepherd, IIDA, Interior Designer (FreemanWhite); Bryon Ford, MEP Engineering (Optima Engineering); Mike Hoyle, Structural Engineer (Laurene & Rickher)

Photography: Peter Brentlinger Photography; Elliott Kaufman Photography

Total building area (sq. ft.): 81,697 (new); 40,225 (renovation)

Construction cost/sq. ft.: $416 (new); $175 (renovation)

Total construction cost (excluding land): $33,952,000 (new); $7,050,000 (renovation)


Creating an identifiable, state-of-the-art Women’s Center on its 100-year-old campus was Presbyterian Hospital’s goal. Part of the hospital’s strategic plan was for women’s and neonatal services to become patient/family-driven. The hospital and design team selected a design locating all the women’s services on one contiguous floor. Most challenging was the fact that much of this contiguous floor area did not exist. The vertical expansion above the “B” Parking Deck and Hemby Children’s Hospital, with connection to the existing hospital, included major renovations to the sixth and seventh floors, addressing the need for increased capacity to 4,300 births while providing adequate space demanded by a modern women’s center.

A hotel spa impression greets patients and visitors entering the Presbyterian Women’s Center. Personally greeted guests are directed to Women’s Center–designated elevators located behind an art-glass wall. The concierge desk features pear wood and art glass, satin nickel-finished metal accents, and distinctive pendant lighting. This is the first hint of what patients and visitors experience during their visit at the Women’s Center.


Over the treetops within an historical downtown residential setting, patients can view Charlotte’s skyline from spacious rooms abundant with pampering touches and hospitality accoutrements, such as air-jet Jacuzzis, refrigerators, microwaves, and Internet access.

New construction includes 14 high-risk/antepartum beds, 16 LDRs, 3 C-section rooms, 35 postpartum beds, 36 well-baby nursery positions, unit/family support, and physician accommodations. The renovated space includes 38 intensive care nursery positions and 20 GYN beds.