The soothing sounds of water falling over rocks and the healing touch of nature and light provide initial impressions for visitors entering the OSF Saint Anthony Ambulatory Care Center. Meeting the needs for sophisticated technology combined with private, comforting surroundings and compassionate care is the purpose of the Ambulatory Care Center, a facility housing all outpatient services. Previously, people coming in for outpatient testing or treatment had to work their way through a maze of services located throughout the hospital building.

Serene and comforting, a beautifully landscaped reflective garden first greets the visitor. At the entrance, a two-story atrium, thriving plants, and a water wall grace the lobby and registration area. The reception desk features a commissioned sculpture. Other amenities offered near the welcoming lobby are an expanded waiting area, children’s playroom, conference center, health information center, and gift shop.

Integral to the Medical Center are individual, private registration rooms. The Women’s, Ambulatory, Diagnostic, and Surgery Centers have their own waiting areas, where registrants are provided with pagers so they can be quietly alerted to their appointments. Furniture and artwork, chosen by a committee of staff members, were selected to reflect a healing and nurturing environment.

An expanded laboratory is housed in the lower level. The airy and spacious lab is equipped with the newest equipment, yet designed to accommodate staff in a comfortable environment.

Water, light, nature, and sophisticated technology work together to improve patient flow, enhance patient well-being, improve the patient experience, and provide comfortable surroundings where staff can carry on their healing work.

Project category: New construction & Remodel/Renovation (completed August 2001)

Chief administrator: David A. Schertz, Administrator & CEO, (815) 395-5342

Firm: Gommel Design, (815) 877-9206

Design team: Jacqueline Gommel, ASID, IIDA, Interior Design; Cheryl Dennis, Interior Design (Gommel Design); Michael Jackson, AIA, Architect (Cannon Architects); James L. Knoll, ASLA, Landscape Architect; Ann Stegall, Art Consultant (The Art Connection)

Photography: David W. Friedrich—Photographer; Jim Orlando Photography

Total building area (GSF): 54,574 (new); 65,679 (renovation)

Construction cost/sq. ft.: $287.87

Total cost (excluding land): $18,907,330