Situated in the upscale urban retail center of St. John’s Town Center, Baptist Emergency at Town Center offers full-service adult emergency care as well as specialized emergency services for children provided by Wolfson Children’s Hospital. The second such facility Gresham Smith has designed for Baptist Health of Northeast Florida, this 17,000-square-foot, 24-hour freestanding emergency department offers a level of care beyond that of a typical urgent care clinic or physician’s office.

Client

Baptist Health of Northeast Florida

Location

Jacksonville, Florida

Project Type

Healthcare

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Easily adapted to any number of sites throughout the Baptist Health system, the design provides separate waiting and treatment zones for adult and pediatric populations. Sixteen beds are divided equally between each unit in separate pods connected by a single, centralized nurse station that allows staff to serve both units with ease and efficiency. Exam rooms are laid out to streamline patient flow and allow fast tracking when necessary.

Acknowledging its proximity to high-end shopping and the University of North Florida, Gresham Smith designed the building to provide a retail experience that appeals to busy families and students alike. Transparent glazing allows unobstructed views of both pediatric and adult waiting areas from the outside, projecting a sense of openness and convenience. A solid feature wall in Baptist’s signature shade of blue provides a striking backdrop and serves as a distinguishing architectural element.

Inside the building, the adult and pediatric units each have a distinct look and feel that caters to their patient demographics. The children’s center features colorful ocean-themed interiors to create a welcoming atmosphere and reduce patient stress. The design of the adult unit highlights the high-quality materials and stylish details present throughout the building. High ceilings, extensive glazing and warm tones give the waiting and registration areas a soothing aesthetic.

Taking full advantage of the site’s proximity to Interstate 295, Gresham Smith's design allows the hospital to serve as its own billboard and clearly broadcast to passersby that adult and pediatric emergency services are provided within. The Baptist Health logo and the Wolfson Children’s Hospital insignia are both displayed prominently on the exterior and easily visible from both directions on the interstate.

Opened to the public in 2016, Baptist Emergency at Town Center not only brings much-needed emergency services for children and families closer to a growing local community but also provides a facility that successfully communicates Baptist Health’s distinctive brand.

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Steve Gartman, AIA, LEED AP
Steve Gartman, AIA, LEED AP
Senior Architect