WDM Healthcare Design
Project category: Addition (completed February 2004)

Chief administrator: Steve Kelly, President and CEO, (316) 804-6001

Firm: WDM Healthcare Design, (316) 262-4700

Design team: Les Mock, AIA, ASHE, Principal-in-Charge, Project Manager; Dan Wilson, AIA, Design Principal; Ralph Flanagin, Project Architect; Michele Porter, IIDA, Interior Designer

Photography: Rob McHenry, photographer; WDM Healthcare Design

Total building area (sq. ft.): 38,230

Construction cost/sq. ft.: $123

Total construction cost (excluding land): $4,698,987


In 2000, Newton Medical Center began the process to develop a second medical office building that could accommodate several small private practices in the location where a large group practice was originally planned. This new, multi-tenant approach dictated a conceptual change, with multiple entrances added to provide convenient patient access. The campus traffic plan was modified to accommodate this new concept. The design team also worked with each tenant on the design of the individual spaces within the new facility. Physical relationships between individual tenants played an important role in their eventual location within the facility.

The hospital also requested tenant spaces be arranged so patient waiting areas would be open and shared but perceived as private. A “Main Street” approach to the building interior was the result. Patients enter individual waiting areas through open window storefronts defined by Craftsman-style lanterns and unique floor patterns.

The final design located patient waiting and reception areas in the center of the building. To utilize natural lighting, these waiting areas were clustered around a large rotunda with a skylight. The design team also worked with local artist Phil Epp to turn the rotunda into a gallery for his panoramic images.

Bold colors teamed with strongly patterned wallcoverings and curved surfaces calm and reassure those waiting for procedures or loved ones. Ultimately, the interior spaces have become the focus of local praise, achieving the goal of a healing environment.