Riverside Medical Center in Newport News, Virginia, envisioned a benchmark outpatient facility for cancer treatment. Riverside is committed to accompanying the patients’ and loved ones’ journey through cancer care, and is equally supportive of staff needs to sustain energy and commitment for their demanding tasks.

The architecture reflects the wooded location, near sea and sand. Medical Oncology treatment areas look directly into the trees.

The exterior was articulated on all sides because of its high visibility. Sand-colored precast concrete, complementing the existing campus, was designed in modular panels to maximize economies of casting repetition while allowing freedom to develop highly detailed façades. Joints are hidden in reveals, and the patterns create strong shadow play.

The building is suffused with light throughout the day and is illuminated at night. Daylight penetrates the interior through full and clerestory windows and skylights. Formed-glass panels on the lobby staircase recall sea waves. The pattern continues in the waiting areas and the Cancer Services Boutique. The interior color palette is reminiscent of the coastal pine forest, sand, sea, and sky.


The Center provides comprehensive services, offering CT scan, Brachytherapy and Linear Accelerator treatment facilities, Medical Oncology, family support services, community education, research facilities, clinic space, and physician offices. Modular design allows the exchange of space between offices and clinics. Growth has been anticipated, and the building includes space for additional expansion.

Project category: New construction (completed April 2006)

Chief administrator: Golden Bethune, Administrator/Executive Vice-President, (757) 594-4010

Firm: Anderson Mikos Architects, Ltd., (630) 573-5149

Design team: Dave Mikos, AIA, NCARB, Officer-in-Charge; Alan Kato, AIA, Principal Designer; Mike Hurt, AIA, Senior Project Architect; Barb Palm, Director of Interiors; Clare Ardizzone, IIDA, Senior Interior Designer (Anderson Mikos Architects, Ltd.); Owner’s Representative, AMDC Corporation

Photography: ©2006 John B. Warters

Total building area (sq. ft.): 58,000

Construction cost/sq. ft.: $200

Total construction cost (excluding land): $11,619,765