BR+A is the MEP/FP engineer for the New Patient Tower at OSU Wexner Medical Center, who also provided programming and concept design in earlier project stages. The new 1.9 million sf hospital tower is part of the university’s campus expansion plan, Framework 2.0, and will include surgical services, interventional radiology, emergency services, logistics and material management.

The $1.79B, 26-story tower will provide state-of-the-art diagnostic, treatment, and inpatient service areas including Emergency Department, Imaging, Operating Rooms, Critical Care, and Medical/Surgical beds. The project will include: 846 beds; 60 NICU bassinets; 32 operating rooms; 6 interventional radiology suites; an expansion and renovation of the existing emergency department by 18 bays; imaging modalities; and support space for the inpatient services program. The new tower will connect to the James Cancer Center via a ‘knuckle’ addition between the two facilities. Additionally, the project will include renovation of both the James Cancer Hospital and Ross Heart Hospital for blood bank, support services, and building connections.

The team worked in collaboration with the Wexner Medical Center team to ensure the program aspects of the new patient tower fit into the university’s Framework 2.0 plan. One important project outlined in the plan is the relocation of Cannon Drive. The straightening and elevating of Cannon Drive supports future growth of the university and the medical center by creating 12 acres of developable land, serving as future flood protection, creating a north-south connection between King and Lane Avenues and enhancing green space in the Olentangy River corridor. Targeting LEED Silver.