Project category: New construction (completed July 2004)

Chief administrator: Gary Upp, Executive Director, (937) 323-5001

Firm: The Lawrence Group, (314) 231-5700

Design team: Kim Jungermann, Project Manager; Earl Swisher, Architectural Designer; Gary Conrad, Project Architect (The Lawrence Group Architects); Becky Egan, Senior Interior Designer; Stela Iantcheva, Interior Designer (The Lawrence Group Colors); Jake Jones, Consultant/Planner (Oncology Solutions)

Photography: Brad Feinknopf

Total building area (sq. ft.): 25,000

Construction cost/sq. ft.: $200

Total construction cost (excluding land): $5,000,000

The Springfield Regional Cancer Center marks the transformation of a historically significant downtown site that had become a brownfield into a new, innovative cancer center.

The Richardsonian architecture of other historic downtown buildings provided the inspiration for the contemporary exterior design, with red and buff-colored brick patterns, rock-faced stone, and copper details. The copper-covered “lantern” provides a recognizable architectural element during the day and night. An adjacent healing garden complements the new structure.

The new center is the first joint venture between the Community Hospital of Springfield and Mercy Health Partners and is equipped to handle 11,200 chemotherapy infusions and more than 500 courses of radiation treatment per year. Located under the “lantern,” the infusion area provides privacy with custom divider walls of translucent panels and cherry wood. Each area is patient-controlled with operable, motorized roller shades and individual televisions.

Soaring, vaulted ceilings with many clerestory windows and skylights pull natural light into the interior spaces and provide an uplifting ambience. A 22-foot, cast-stone fireplace in the reception area is visible on two sides. A separate Serenity Room with a sculptural feature wall is accessed from the main lobby to allow for meditation and consultation.

Interior spaces are detailed with wood, stone, and organic elements, with an abundance of natural light and soft, indirect lighting. Easily maintainable and highly durable finishes include butter-colored, honed-limestone flooring with green accents, cherry-wood trim, and organic floor patterns in carpet tiles and sheet flooring.