Warren County is one of Ohio’s fastest growing counties and ranks among the fastest growing counties nationwide. To respond to the new healthcare needs of the community, TriHealth, Inc., hired URS to create a technologically advanced, patient-oriented facility. Bethesda Medical Center at Arrow Springs—nearly five times larger than the former facility—is characterized by its relationship with its striking landscape, unique elements to enhance the patient and family experience, a high level of professionalism, and maximum flexibility for growth.

The new healthcare facility is located on a site featuring views to the Little Miami River Valley and a refurbished farm pond, with excellent proximity to a busy state route and interstate. Light and the landscape are pulled into the interior to promote healing and relaxation—and to aid orientation and wayfinding.

The facility features state-of-the-art diagonistic equipment. Careful planning and analysis of adjacency diagrams helped establish a core hospital with flexible placeholder spaces and the capacity for seamless additions of future wings. This facility fully integrates the associated physician practices with the diagnostic assets so as to provide a seamless, one-stop center for patients.

Project category: New construction (completed March 2006)

Chief administrator: Will Groneman, Executive Vice- President, (513) 569-6424

Firm: URS Corporation, (513) 419-3400

Design team: Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, (URS Corporation); Vivian Llambi, Landscape Architecture (Vivian Llambi & Associates, Inc.)

Photography: © Feinknopf Photography/Jason Meyer

Total building area (sq. ft.): 104,000

Construction cost/sq. ft.: $288

Total construction cost (excluding land): $29,952,000

The balance between professionalism and comfort is expressed throughout the facility through selection of high-quality materials, including stainless steel, stone, and wood. Clear signage/wayfinding and convenient circulation patterns and adjacencies minimize patient confusion and frustration.