Trying to operate a cardiology group practice with 24 cardiologists in five separate facilities was a logistical nightmare for The Heart Center, in Huntsville, Alabama.

In an effort to consolidate operations, become more efficient and accommodate more growth in the practice, The Heart Center decided to locate in one facility. The organization negotiated an agreement with Huntsville Hospital to build a new facility and lease it back to The Heart Center.

The new facility is strategically located beside a tramway that connects the two hospitals, physician offices and a new orthopedics clinic. It was important to position the facility and five-story parking deck with convenient access to the tramway and maximize the limited, irregularly shaped site.

The designers used a curved wall feature to tie the main entrance with the parking deck entrance located directly to its right and with the tramway directly to its left. The architectural style of the exterior complements the existing color and look of the hospital campus.

Inside, a three-story atrium provides an inviting, sun-filled space to greet patients and visually connect them to all medical floors. The waiting areas on each floor are next to the atrium, to allow patients to see outside and enjoy natural light. The design centralizes all diagnostic and treatment areas of The Heart Center, eliminating confusion for patients as to where to go for appointments and treatment


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PROJECT CATEGORY New Construction (completed January 2001)

CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR C.E. Max Miller, Executive Director, (256) 539-4080

FIRM Marshall Erdman & Associates, (608) 238-0211

DESIGN TEAM Chris Nicholson, Designer; Neil Bright, Junior Designer; John Stone, Regional Manager, Atlanta office

PHOTOGRAPHY Mike Rebholz

BED CAPACITY N/A

TOTAL BUILDING AREA (SQ. FT.) 94,000

TOTAL LAND AREA (ACRES) approximately 3

TOTAL COST (EXCLUDING LAND) $11,300,000