The 160,000-sf, three-story VA Ambulatory Care Center opened in Omaha, Neb., on August 3. This is the first of five pilot projects authorized to be built under the Communities Helping Invest through Property and Improvements Needed for Veterans Act, otherwise known as CHIP IN, which became law in 2016 and allows the cash-strapped U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to use private investments to fund construction and real estate purchases.
The Omaha facility’s $86 million price tag was defrayed by $30 million in private contributions funneled through the nonprofit Heritage Services, the project’s construction manager, which donated its services and the building to the VA. This funding mechanism created efficiencies that shortened construction time and aligned design specifications with those used in private healthcare projects.
Also see: Outpatient clinics bring the VA closer to injured veterans
The new center has the capacity to provide healthcare services to about 400 patients per day.
LEO A DALY provided the architectural, engineering, and interior design services on this project, for which McCarthy Building Companies was the GC. The Ambulatory Care Center has eight primary care clinics, including one for women vets (a first in VA’s healthcare network), and a care clinic that’s shared by orthopedics, cardiology, and other specialty medical practices.
A WALL DESIGNED TO RESEMBLE A WAVING FLAG
Alternating colors along the building's western facade symbolize the colored bars earned by miltary servicemen and women.
All clinics employ Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) programming to enhance patient privacy and navigation. By centralizing clinical staff and resources, the PACT model also promotes collaboration. A new outpatient surgery center occupies the third floor, along with radiology. On the first level, a new connector building provides direct indoor access to the existing hospital and its services.
Sophisticated structural and architectural coordination created the folded glass form of the building’s “flag wall.” Against the western façade, alternating colors symbolize the “colored bars” earned by military servicemen and women for acts of gallantry and heroism. Both walls use transparent glazing to stream abundant daylighting into the interior spaces.
Also see: Veterans’ mental health needs are central to Seattle’s VA design
A sense of refuge, comfort, and reflection are reinforced by amenities that include an outdoor healing garden and commissioned artwork (some of it created by veteran-artists) installed in the facility’s public spaces.
The new Ambulatory Care Center replaces a crumbling hospital built in the 1940s and had long been on the VA’s list of replacement priorities.
Related Stories
BIM and Information Technology | Jul 9, 2018
Healthcare and the reality of artificial intelligence
Regardless of improved accuracy gains, caregivers may struggle with the idea of a computer logic qualifying decisions that have for decades relied heavily on instinct and medical intuition.
Healthcare Facilities | Jun 28, 2018
New Stanford Healthcare outpatient building opens in Redwood City
The facility recently celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Healthcare Facilities | Jun 26, 2018
The future of the ambulatory surgery centers and acuity levels
Offering the one-two punch of cost savings and convenience, ASCs are increasingly becoming the venue of choice for both physicians and patients.
Healthcare Facilities | Jun 26, 2018
Mesquite, Texas to receive 60-acre ‘wellness village’
Construction is anticipated to begin on the initial phase in mid-2019.
University Buildings | Jun 25, 2018
Virginia Commonwealth has at least three major expansion projects under construction
New buildings for outpatient care, engineering, and rehabilitation of serious injuries and debilities are scheduled to be completed in 2020.
Healthcare Facilities | Jun 6, 2018
French 'Alzheimer’s Village' designed to resemble a medieval bastide
The new facility will provide research on a new way of treating Alzheimer’s patients.
Healthcare Facilities | May 29, 2018
Will telemedicine change the face of healthcare architecture?
Telemedicine is a broad term that covers many aspects and mediums of care, but primarily it refers to the use of video monitors to allow a virtual face to face consultation to take place.
| May 24, 2018
Accelerate Live! talk: Security and the built environment: Insights from an embassy designer
In this 15-minute talk at BD+C’s Accelerate Live! conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago), embassy designer Tom Jacobs explores ways that provide the needed protection while keeping intact the representational and inspirational qualities of a design.
Healthcare Facilities | May 24, 2018
The design of the new Omaha VA Ambulatory Care Center incorporates veteran symbolism throughout the building
Leo A Daly designed the facility.
Building Team Awards | May 17, 2018
Patient priorities: Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center
Gold Award: Cleveland Clinic’s new cancer center is a transparent, collaborative hub for improved patient experiences and enhanced communication with caregivers.
