To meet the growing needs of the Lakeland, Florida area’s more than 23,000 veterans, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is consolidating their multiple facilities in the area into one expanded outpatient clinic. At 132,000 square feet—five times bigger than the existing clinic spaces—the facility will be better suited to meet patients’ needs both now and in the future. Partnering with The Molasky Group of Companies, developer, and The Korte Company, general contractor, on the design-build project, Gresham Smith is providing architecture and interior design services to create a human-centered space that uses the latest technology to elevate quality of care.
132k
gross square feet
26
acres
2
stories
A Convenient, Central Location
The new clinic will be centrally located within the Lakeland community, situated on the corner of heavily-traveled Polk Parkway and Lakeland Highlands Road, just 4.5 miles from Lakeland Regional Medical Center. Patient parking at the front of the site, along with a covered drop-off area on the front of the building, will enable easy access for visitors, while dedicated staff parking and entry on the rear of the building will increase efficiencies.
Connected to Nature
To promote wellness and connect patients, visitors and staff to nature, the site will include outdoor seating areas, al-fresco dining and a healing garden. Staff will have access to a dedicated outdoor space and multiple balconies for respite during breaks. To create further connections to nature, the interior palette will reflect Florida’s natural habitat, using cool earth tones, natural stone and wood elements throughout the design. Additionally, floor-to ceiling windows in the main lobby, combined with large windows on all sides of the building, will flood the space with natural light.
An Emphasis on Efficiency
The 132,000-gross-square-foot space will house primary care, audiology and speech pathology, physical therapy, mental health, ophthalmology, and prosthetic and sensory aid services. The clinic will also feature a lab and pharmacy, as well as CT, X-Ray, mammography, MRI and ultrasound technologies. To increase operational efficiencies and elevate the level of personal care patients receive, patient care spaces will be arranged around central staff work areas within each clinic. Additionally, strategic signage and wayfinding elements will help patients navigate the facility with ease.
Expanding Care for the Community
When complete, the new outpatient clinic in Lakeland, Florida will be better suited to meet the growing needs of veterans in the area, expanding current care and adding new services. The facility is expected to complete and begin seeing patients in late 2023.Gallery
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