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University of Colorado Health

Medical Center of the Rockies

the story

Medical Center of the Rockies (MCR) is the flagship hospital for the North Region of the University of Colorado Health System. This 90-acre greenfield campus accommodates 172 inpatient beds in its initial phase with plans for expansion to 400 beds in the future. Our design team developed a Master Plan for the campus that allows this exponential growth without disruption or renovation of existing services in a truly “plug-and-play” fashion. The main hospital is flanked by two 100,000 SF Medical Office Buildings that form a continuous circulation loop. MCR is home to the Heart Center of the Rockies and a level 4 Trauma Center of the Rockies, serving Northern Colorado, Southern Wyoming, and Western Nebraska.

at-a-glance

TYPE:
New Building
PRACTICE:
Architecture
Programming & Planning
LOCATION:
Loveland, CO
STATUS:
Completed in 2007
SIZE:
595,000 SF
INSIGHT

Meeting the healthcare needs of a growing population in Northern Colorado and the west, UCHealth would conceive two world-class, sustainable facilities, serving as a landmark and multiple centers of excellence.

SOLUTION

SLAM’s design solution created a hospital within a hospital, celebrating both centers of excellence and their branding, in a single building.

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By sharing ancillary services and facilities, the design team was able to achieve and exceed all of the goals of the original concept, while meeting the schedule and budget.

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This efficient design helped to reduce construction cost, adding an additional shell space to the project.  This will enable more immediate expansion of surgery in the future.  SLAM completed the fit-out of that area, in 2019.

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The project also became the first LEED Gold certified hospital in Colorado and operates with 30 percent less energy than industry standards.

IMPACT
“

Today we have the best facility on the planet for treating patients, it is unbelievable what we have been able to accomplish. I am proud of this team and this health system.

Rulon Stacey, FACHE
Former President and CEO
”

MCR has become a model for creating a hospitality themed medical campus. The sustainability of the building and its systems, along with the use of natural light, outdoor amenities, and world-class views of the Rocky Mountains, has made this hospital a highly desired and profitable place for elective procedures.

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Achieved LEED Gold Status 

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Lantern Award for Emergency Department, Emergency Nurses Association

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International Sustainable Design Award from Design & Health International

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Buildings Magazine Grand Prize Award for Greener Facilities

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American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Commercial Sustainability Award

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Patient-Centered Hospital Award from Healthcare Facilities

Project Contacts

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[case study]
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA