Once a hospital campus in dire need of updating, Metro Health Hospital in Wyoming, MI, is now a brand new hospital surrounded by a 170-acre mixed-use development site, Metro Health Village, which will be home to 40 complementary medical, retail, and hospitality businesses within walking distance to the hospital. Currently the only hospital in Michigan to be labeled as a Clean Corporate Citizen, the 208-bed hospital's sensitivity to the environment is matched by its dedication to providing holistic and personal healthcare.
Special Design Elements
Two main design concepts were followed: to design a building that was a highly visible community landmark, and to take advantage of the picturesque site and incorporate those attributes into a healing environment. The hospital's twin towers satisfy both concepts by making the building visible, minimizing the building's footprint, and providing patients with views of the beautiful site. Inside, special attention was given to inpatient rooms. With two large windows, every patient room is private, with a 37-inch flat-screen television and a couch/bed for loved ones. Halls are soothingly curved, and natural light streams onto the calming paint colors.
Design/Construction Challenges
A fast-tracked project, the hospital ran into numerous challenges during construction. After the concrete was poured and the steel skeleton was erected, the project came to a halt for 1 year due to financing issues. When it resumed, sections had to be cut from documents, and the documents had to be modified. Despite these challenges, Metro Health Hospital achieved a sustainable, beautiful facility within a budding healthcare village.
