Christner completed a ten-month, strategic facility master plan that took a detailed look at market issues for this suburban hospital with the goal of determining facility priorities and long-term investment. Several key clinical lines, among them cancer, cardiac, and OB, faced challenges from local competitors in terms of market share and physician and nursing staff recruiting and retention.
This inclusive process involved a Core Planning Team (about 60 people, including board members, executive council, Medical Executive Committee, representatives from facilities, nursing, the Sisters, and from Mercy System i.e. corporate). A Steering Group monitored process dynamics and provided guidance and resources. Their charge was to analyze information and conceptualize future facility needs, then make a recommendation to the Board of Trustees regarding facility planning and investment. The process addressed constraints of the site, including existing buildings blocking expansion, and the need for seismic upgrade of some structures, yet also took the opportunity to consider options such as Tower C, which had originally been designed for vertical expansion. The hospital committed to implementation of immediate priorities, and construction was initiated as documents were still in production.
Size: 979-bed hospital campus, 79-acre campus
Status: ongoing
The campus plan shows a concentration of recommended construction (orange), including both inpatient and outpatient services.
This rendered photo shows (from left to right) the Heart Hospital, Tower C and future Tower B, all projects built as a result of the Master Plan.
This 1995 pre-plan condition is a stark contrast to the current Master Plan status. It illustrates the dramatic changes that have enhanced the hospital’s image and visibility.
Christner’s landscape architects designed the site plan for the St. John’s campus, incorporating natural gardens and water features that link the outdoor and indoor spaces of each new facility.
The Heart Hospital entry plaza integrates drop-off functions with a walled garden space, fountain and reflection pool and aids in wayfinding to the front door.
Christner provided recommendations for the integration and separation of the flow of hospital resources and public traffic between existing and proposed facilities.
This model photo shows the new campus loop road and zoned parking system that were designed as part of a campus-wide wayfinding plan integrating site and building circulation. The goal is to achieve 'No-fault' circulation.
