While teams at the University already work together closely when it comes to pediatric and maternal health care, the new home for University of Minnesota Amplatz Children’s Hospital will unite the two areas in one family-friendly physical space.
Construction crews have made significant progress on the new facility, which is scheduled to open in March 2011. Perhaps the most visible change is the placement of the hospital’s distinctive anodized stainless steel exterior siding panels, which reflect blue, green, purple, maroon, or gold, depending on how the sunlight hits them. These unique metal panels contain recycled material and are resistant to corrosion.
The new facility is designed with families in mind, with all private patient rooms that are 65 percent larger than the industry standard. It also will be Minnesota’s first “green” hospital, featuring an environmentally sensitive design, eco-friendly materials, and green spaces.
Russ Williams, vice president of facilities and operations for the hospital, says the new building will be memorable in more ways than one. “We will be providing exceptional care in a state-of-the-art facility that may also quickly become an iconic piece of architecture in the Twin Cities,” he says.
To learn more about the construction progress or to take a virtual tour of the new facility, visit www.uofmchildrens hospital.org/newhospital.
