Essentia Health has launched the new St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, Minnesota, US, following five years of design and construction.
The new hospital forms part of Essentia Health’s $900m Vision Northland project, which spans over 940,000ft² across two city blocks on the banks of Lake Superior.
Said to be the region’s only Level 1 trauma centre, the new St. Mary’s hospital comprises 16 operating rooms and 13 birthing suites. It is said to incorporate advanced technology and a ‘reimagined’ healthcare delivery model.
The project was designed by EwingCole, marking the largest-ever healthcare project for the US-based design firm.
EwingCole AIA president Robert McConnell said: “As Essentia Health prepares to relocate all operations from their current hospital to the new St. Mary’s, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of the first patient on 30 July.”
The design team worked alongside local construction crew McGough, LHB architects, and sub-consultants to address environmental challenges, supply chain disruptions, and the pandemic.
EwingCole design regional director Saul Jabbawy said: “We wanted this to be more than just a hospital. We wanted it to challenge contemporary healthcare design strategies and focus on creating a welcoming and highly efficient space.
“It’s inspired by and designed for the community. Essentia Health had the vision for their patient population and staff. We just brought that vision to life.”
The Vision Northland project involves construction of replacement hospital for St. Mary’s Medical Center and clinic space. It also includes the renovation of significant clinic spaces.
