Bloomington Hospital has provided high-quality healthcare to its citizens and those in surrounding communities throughout the past century. The decision to undertake this recent $29.2 million addition and renovation modernized and deinstitutionalized the hospital. Construction began during the spring of 2000. The project was extensively phased by design and clinical teams to minimize disruption, and was completed in 2004.

The hospital’s main entry and canopy were redesigned for a more inviting atmosphere and to create an identity for the entry and concourse. The design welcomes patients, helping to relieve the inevitable anxieties. A large public concourse connects the existing portions of the hospital to the newly constructed areas and clarifies circulation. The barrel-vaulted translucent skylights, large glass expanses, and Indiana limestone columns are focal points that create an exciting new face. The use of aluminum composite panels on the exterior created a more modern image that reflects the hospital’s vision and cutting-edge technology.

The interior space is divided into seating alcoves with cherry finishes, frosted glass, and decorative wood framing, reducing the scale and increasing family privacy. Most importantly, the new public concourse separates public and staff circulation, keeping the clinical functions behind the scenes while increasing access to more departments.

The Women’s Center and Outpatient Services comprised the first phase of construction, including 105,025 square feet of new construction and 76,700 square feet of renovation. Second-floor renovations included the Women’s Center, Pediatrics, and Physician On-Call. Added to the Women’s Center were 12 labor and delivery rooms and 22 postpartum rooms.

Cardiac Rehabilitation, the Emergency Department, and Surgery and Outpatient Services, all located on the first floor, were completed during the second phase of the project. The Oncology Department welcomed a 19,000-sq.-ft. renovation on the fourth floor.

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

Chief administrator: Mark Moore, President and CEO, (812) 253-6821

Firm: The Estopinal Group, (812) 282-3700

Design team: R. Wayne Estopinal, President; Stan LaMaster, Project Manager; Kyle Wilson, Project Architect; Felicia Bridge, Interior Design; Kevin Russell, Construction Administration; Corky Scales, Construction Administration

Photography: Susie Fleck

Total building area (sq. ft.): 185,000

Construction cost/sq. ft.: $158

Total construction cost (excluding land): $29,199,496

Special design attention was given to enhancing the patient experience, incorporating the newest trends in technology, and showcasing more warm and hospitable surroundings. Sheet-vinyl wood flooring, oak headwall units, and recessed accent lighting in the LDR rooms help patients feel at home. Similarly, the Pediatric wing features friendly murals and vibrant colors to enliven the spirit. In contrast, the nursery ceiling emulates the soothing night sky with the use of new lighting technology, lulling the newborns into peaceful repose. Lastly, the Chapel’s decorative art glass and soft ambient lighting offer solitude in a peaceful setting for guests and family desiring a spiritual retreat.