St. Mary’s Hospital for Children is a renowned facility recognized for its innovative programs and extraordinary care to children and families with long term special healthcare needs.  The goal of the modernization and expansion was two-fold; to right-size the facility and provide an environment specific to the needs of children.

The seven-acre property is lush with trees and beautiful landscaping that families, staff and children take advantage of whenever possible. The simple 5-story bed tower is set back on the site and flanked by smaller scaled colorful glass pavilions.  These pavilions house the interactive Lobby, Therapy Gym and Indoor Play Area; each integrated into the site as an extension of the landscape.

The children at St. Mary’s typically stay from several weeks to several months, and providing a home-like environment is paramount to their emotional well-being and rehabilitation progress.  A home is a place where children can grow and develop, and pulling all of the positive aspects from the home and community and putting them in this project was of significance importance.  Open spaces, urban parks, colorful interactive elements and aspects of the home were all images of inspiration.

The medical planning and project design was performed while with another firm.