Illinois Provider Settles Into New Patient Tower

JOLIET, Ill. — Healthcare officials at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center are settling into a new $144 million, eight-story patient bed tower that opened earlier this year.
The 256,000-square-foot tower marks the first major expansion at the medical center in more than 40 years.

The facility, designed by HDR Architecture Inc., of Omaha, Neb., includes 199 new private patient rooms, updated and expanded adult critical care units and a community space that features a 350-seat public auditorium.

Architects designed the hospital with a hospitality-inspired environment in mind. Design features include valet parking, concierge services and dark cherry wood furnishings and casework.

In addition, a winter garden, which links the main lobby, auditorium and existing hospital, features a fireplace, lobby seating and skylights.

Patient rooms were built using light wood tones and neutral colors to create a calming atmosphere and each room includes an area for family members to stay overnight. Other features include expansive windows, different lighting options and dietary room service.

ith the addition of the tower, the hospital will change from set visiting hours to a 24-hour visitation policy for all hospital units.

Other features of the new tower include a café for visitors and staff, a community reference library, a dedicated neurosciences center with a six-bed neuro intensive care unit, a state-of-the-art laboratory and a 700-space attached parking garage.

The new tower was distinguished as a Pebble Project before construction began, and is one of only 45 such projects in the nation. The Pebble Project is a joint research effort between the Center for Health Design and selected healthcare providers across the United States. The goal of the project is to incorporate evidence-based design into hospital settings to enhance patient safety and to help patients recover faster.

The new 256,000-square-foot tower will include 199 patient rooms.