The new Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center continues the eight-decade mission of the former Stuart Circle Hospital in serving the healthcare needs of the Greater Richmond metropolitan area. Located in Midlothian, Virginia, the new 130-bed Hospital of the Future is situated on 75 pristine acres of rolling terrain and is designed to weave nature and spirituality into the healing environment.

St. Francis Boulevard is a tree-lined divided drive guiding the visitor from the campus entrance along a meandering journey to the roundabout, which links the boulevard to the Motor Court Entrance of the hospital. Water and landscape line the pathway and serve as reminders of life’s simplicity.

The Campanile anchors the Motor Court, drawing reflection to Assisi, Italy, the hometown of Saint Francis. Enveloping the Motor Court, the Pergola’s colonnade provides intimacy and cover to the visitor. Upon entry into the central atrium joining the hospital and medical office building, the visitor discovers the Chapel as the spiritual center of the campus. From this spiritual focal point, the Prayer Garden is designed to extend this spirituality to the natural environment in a contemplative setting.

The Prayer Garden initiates the spiritual walking journey with nature to the intimate Meditation Garden and Labyrinth. Springing forth from the Garden and Labyrinth, the walking trail begins its meandering path, lacing throughout the campus and providing the natural connection between the healing environment and the land.

In the spirit of Saint Francis, the patron saint of nature, this new campus is dedicated to the role nature plays in healing and life.


Project category: Project in progress (August 2005)

Chief administrator: Peter J. Bernard, Senior Vice-President, Operations, South Division, (804) 281-8330

Firm: Odell Associates, Inc., (804) 287-8200

Design team: Architect, Odell Associates Inc.; Interior Designer, Kathy Helm & Associates; Site Engineering, Timmons Group; Landscape Architecture, Higgins & Gerstenmaier; Telecommunications, Gene Burton & Associates

Total building area (sq. ft.): 244,000

Construction cost/sq. ft.: $184

Total construction cost (excluding land): $45,000,000