Methodist Medical Center of Illinois

Kahler Slater developed a master plan to drive a long-range phased replacement strategy for the existing campus on its current site. The existing facility is faced with obsolescence, aging infrastructure, operational inefficiencies, small room sizes and low floor-to-floor heights. The master plan was developed to satisfy the hospital’s need to remain operational throughout the phases of construction. Key to its success will be to make it a more efficient, technology-forward campus that is easy to navigate for all who enter.

Leadership began the transformation with a relocation of the front door and reception spaces. The result of this first phase is a fresh, contemporary design including a two-story space which features local art. Central to the design is a gracious, two-story atrium entrance that provides an experience similar to that of a four star hotel lobby. It also serves as a central wayfinding hub. With the atrium as an anchor, the design establishes a new unified and identifiable campus identity. Also included in this first phase was a new 600-car parking structure, a connecting skywalk access to the atrium, digital check in center and digital wayfinding system. Future phases include a new diagnostic and treatment facility that will house acute care services including cardiovascular, surgical, and intensive care units with private rooms.

The first steps of this new campus reflect the Methodist quality of care by maintaining the existing street system, creating new open green space and using building materials that are warm and welcoming. Kahler Slater’s design team also utilized the latest in Lean process improvement strategies and simulation software to model improved staffing, travel distances, material and patient movement throughout the new buildings. All projects are designed to achieve LEED certification.