The primary design criterion was to provide a transition from a semiprivate patient room floor with a single central nursing/staff area to a unit with 24 private patient rooms. The 24 rooms are divided into two 12-bed wings, each with its own nursing station and ancillary support space, providing for efficient care of patients and convenience for staff.

RTA’s objective was to provide the patient with the best care possible without the look and feel of a hospital. A concierge welcomes patients to the lobby/waiting area, which offers a nontraditional atmosphere, providing a nourishment bar, TV entertainment center and an aquarium to welcome and relax patients and visitors alike.

The use of nontraditional finishes, such as tile accent surrounds and custom nurse-charting stations at the patient’s room entry, signals that this is no ordinary hospital unit. Special wall sconces and indirect corridor lighting provide a soft feel to what is normally a harsh environment.

The color palette provides a soft and inviting atmosphere and blends nicely with the existing terrazzo floors.

The design team worked closely with the building code officials to update the existing facilities to conform to current code requirements. Unique approaches to corridor wall construction and elevator and dumbwaiter isolation allowed for economical renovation costs


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All the infrastructure systems were upgraded and/or replaced, including mechanical, electrical, emergency power, nurse call, fire alarm and tube systems.

In the final analysis, after this work was completed, the 11th floor became a patient- and staff-friendly environment where quality healthcare services are provided.

PROJECT CATEGORY Remodel/Renovation (completed November 2001)

CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR David Howard, Facilities Director, (719) 776-5377

FIRM RTA, Inc., (719) 471-7566

DESIGN TEAM John C. Hoelscher, AIA, Principal (RTA, Inc.); Jean Sebben, ASID, President (Jean Sebben Associates Commercial Interior Design); Rod L. McCoy, PE, Managing Engineer (AE Associates); Vern Plant, PE, President (Plant Engineering Consultants, Inc.); Jack Teff, Superintendent (GE Johnson Construction Company)

PHOTOGRAPHY Ed LaCasse; Mike Esch (“before” photographs)

BED CAPACITY 24

TOTAL BUILDING AREA (SQ. FT.) 13,912

TOTAL LAND AREA N/A

TOTAL COST $1,400,000