Quadrupling the tower’s original size—this was the design challenge posed to GS&P for the Ardmore Tower expansion on the Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center campus. The original Ardmore Tower was designed for a future vertical expansion that was capable of this (quadrupling its size). The challenge was to design vertically within set parameters and to create an environment that blended well with the existing campus. The 11-floor addition, with a 12th-floor roof garden, was designed to be built on an existing 4-floor structure, above a multilevel parking garage.

A second goal was to consolidate Brenner Children’s Hospital on six floors of the tower. Other new additions included a one-floor, 35-bed adult day hospital, a five-laboratory cardiac catheterization suite, and three separate surgical-services suites for inpatients, outpatients, and pediatric patients.

Taking advantage of the existing garage, the design added a direct patient drop-off entry to the new surgery suite. In addition, the tower has two waiting areas that seat more than 220 people—one for adult patients and another for pediatric patients and families.

The straightforward design emphasizes bright colors, natural light, stainless steel accents, and natural Anigre wood. It incorporates all elements of design: color, pattern, form, shape, and lighting and appeals to all the senses. The design provides a restorative connection to nature through the use of large windows and natural lighting. Both the children’s and adult areas carry the same color palette, design, and ambience—integrating the floors and providing consistency throughout the hospital.

Project category: New construction (completed May 2002)

Chief administrator: Len B. Preslar, Jr., CEO, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, (336) 716-2963

Firms: Gresham, Smith and Partners (Architect), (615) 770-8100; Stanley Beaman & Sears (Associate Architect), (404) 524-2200; Bovis Lend Lease (Construction Management), (704) 357-2815

Design team: Al Thweatt, Principal; Cathy Lamberth, Principal; Judy Klich, Interior Designer (Gresham, Smith and Partners); Kimberly Stanley, Principal (Stanley Beaman & Sears); Mike Baumbach, Principal; Mike Pierle, Project Executive (Bovis Lend Lease)

Photography: ©2002 Carolina Photo Group, Inc.

Total building area (GSF): 426,000

Construction cost/sq. ft.: $188

Total cost (excluding land): $80,000,000