The former Galena-Stauss Hospital & Healthcare Center was the place where people in Galena, IL, received medical treatment, seldom by choice; it was unable to accommodate advancements in technology or expand on its land-locked site. The new vision for the community's healthcare was realized in the Midwest Medical Center in Galena, IL, a new critical access facility composed of a 2-story main hospital tower and a partial ground floor. A 2-story medical office building is attached.
Special Design Elements
Serving as a 25-bed replacement facility, the Midwest Medical Center embraces ideas and elements found in residential and hospitality architecture to reflect a healing environment. Taking design cues from the historic resort community of Galena, with cornices and a clock tower, the exterior is a pleasing blend of brick and an EIFS. Inside, views of the outdoors enhance the facility's relationship to the site. Healing is promoted by calming interior elements, like a copper waterfall, a library, a player piano, and a fitness center.
Design/Construction Challenges
Challenges were minimal because the project was a new medical center, but the project team did have to take special care in being sensitive to the historical background and character of the area. To maintain consistency in the already-established architectural language of the community, the design of the facility had to be extensively planned and controlled. Also, designing a healthcare facility in the face of nursing shortages required special considerations of clinical efficiencies.
