Michael Garron Hospital and Infrastructure Ontario have selected a design-build-finance team including leading Canadian design firm Diamond Schmitt Architects for a transformative campus redevelopment and state-of-the-art patient care tower.
The EllisDon Infrastructure Healthcare team is comprised of EllisDon Design Build Inc., Diamond Schmitt Architects and B+H Architects in joint venture, and EllisDon Capital Inc.
The project is centred on a new eight-story patient care tower and three-story podium designed to bring a light-filled, modern patient experience to the Toronto healthcare facility. The design also serves to connect with the community in support of the hospital’s vision to become a health promotion partner and amenity for the neighbourhood.
“The design extends the public realm through a seamless transition into public spaces with improved wayfinding around a large daylit lobby and consolidated ambulatory care services,” said Matthew Smith, Principal, Diamond Schmitt Architects.
Full glazing on the double-height lobby extends across the podium of the patient tower providing views and visual connection with a new landscaped park that replaces some of the oldest buildings on the campus. Patients and staff will also have access to roof terraces.
“An interaction between interior and exterior did not exist previously as there was a lack of landscaped space,” added Sydney Browne, Principal, Diamond Schmitt. “In addition to the positive reinforcement that access and views to nature can have for recovering patients, setting the new entrance back from the street where there now will be park space addresses the hospital expansion in the context of its community setting.”
“Together we will build more than just a hospital,” said Sarah Downey, President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael Garron Hospital. “Our campus will be transformed into a community hub that not only creates health but is able to support individuals to live to their full potential throughout the continuum of care.”
The project will add approximately 550,000 square feet of new space and renovate an additional 100,000 square feet of the existing hospital. The contract is valued at $411 million. Groundbreak for the LEED Silver redevelopment will take place in April.