Parker Hospital Expansion: A New Beginning for AdventHealth's Healthcare Services
On January 21, 2025, Boulder Associates and SmithGroup, in partnership with DPR Construction, celebrated a significant milestone in the healthcare sector by breaking ground on a new expansion at AdventHealth Parker Hospital. This project will introduce a 186,000-square-foot, seven-story addition, fundamentally enhancing the hospital's capacity to serve the rapidly growing community of Parker, Colorado.
AdventHealth Parker Hospital is recognized as a Level II trauma center with 170 beds and a robust offering of over 55 medical specialties. This includes certified programs for stroke, spine, and joint replacement, alongside advanced robotic surgical capabilities. The expansion aims to bolster the hospital's facilities, addressing the needs of a community that has been experiencing a substantial increase in population and healthcare demands.
Located conveniently near E-470 and Parker Road, this new bed tower will not only be a striking addition to the current hospital infrastructure but also a vital upgrade in its services, particularly as the demand for medical-surgical beds continues to rise. Upon completion, AdventHealth Parker will accommodate a total of 329 beds, reflecting its commitment to providing excellent healthcare.
Brenna Costello, SmithGroup's Health Studio Leader in Colorado, highlighted the collaborative efforts that led to this achievement. Recognizing the contributions of AdventHealth's executive team, she noted that their involvement was crucial in navigating the project's complexities, ensuring responsiveness to the healthcare needs of the Parker community.
The design of the new tower has been meticulously planned to facilitate efficient care delivery, incorporating features that allow for seamless expansion of key operational areas like the Emergency Department. This thoughtful positioning is integral in accommodating future healthcare demands effectively.
Tim Riddle, a Principal at Boulder Associates, highlighted that the project signifies a substantial commitment by AdventHealth to enhance healthcare accessibility in the area. The team worked diligently to streamline the project's design and execution, with an emphasis on rapid delivery times and innovative approaches.
Phase one of the expansion project will modernize various facilities including the loading dock, Emergency Room, Cath and IR suites, and the Sterile Processing Department, which will house six additional operating rooms. It will also add substantial medical-surgical units with 30 beds spread over the third and fourth floors. Higher levels of the tower will be shelled for future use, whether medical-surgical or ICU depending on evolving needs. Moreover, enhancements to central utility systems and the relocation of the helipad are planned.
Following this initial phase, phase two will address renovations in existing facilities, focusing on improvements to the pharmacy, GI department, and spaces for pre- and post-operative care. Scott Miller, the Mountain States Business Unit Leader at DPR Construction, expressed pride in their continuous work with AdventHealth Parker, stating the hospital has a rich history of quality care that they are committed to enhancing through this expansion.
To improve overall hospital efficiency, the design teams implemented patient-centric features into the new structure. Emphasizing the importance of a healing environment, the interior lighting design was developed to support the well-being of patients, including strategies to manage light exposure, thereby promoting better sleep cycles while reducing glare. This layered lighting approach aims to enhance comfort for both patients and staff while also optimizing energy use throughout the facility.
The accelerated timeline for the expansion has necessitated the use of lean methodologies, focusing on efficiency and quick decision-making. Virtual reality tools were employed to help various stakeholders visualize the project and engage with the design effectively.
The project is a collaboration involving multiple partners, including structural engineering by MGA, MEP engineering by Cator Ruma, and civil engineering by SA Miro, with management oversight by Adams Management as the owner’s representative. Boulder Associates brings over 40 years of expert experience in healthcare, senior living, and life science design to this endeavor. Similarly, SmithGroup, a global leader in integrated design, focuses on innovative solutions across multiple sectors, including healthcare. DPR Construction stands out as a contractor renowned for its expertise in complex and sustainable projects, further pointing to the quality and foresight embedded in this hospital expansion's planning and execution.
In conclusion, the AdventHealth Parker Hospital’s expansion is not just about adding physical space; it is a responsive action to the healthcare needs of a burgeoning community. The collaborative spirit of the design and construction teams underscores a shared commitment to excellence in patient care—transforming healthcare accessibility for the people of Parker and beyond.