HED is pleased to announce the completion of the Robert H. and Judy Dow Alexander Cancer Center at the St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor's hospital campus. The expanded 66,000 sf $24 million renovation creates new and expanded space for St. Joe's nationally-renowned cancer research while accommodating the facility's significant patient population expansion of recent years. As the only National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) in Southeast Michigan, St. Joe's had a growing need to house expanded research and education for this field. The design's main floor hosts this important research work alongside a multi-disciplinary team of clinical psychologists, social workers, chaplains, geneticists and nutritionists. This space, designed to increase collaboration and communication among a comprehensive suite of providers, also features an education center offering community outreach and educational programming.

Home to 38 exam rooms, the expanded facility offers a separate entrance and exit for patients, providing a concierge-like oncology-care experience. Another key feature is its state-of-the-art new infusion center designed to host patients and their families in comfort with 22 private bays providing room for guests amidst a large amount of natural light which overlooks a healing garden.

"The interior approach in this facility is a new one for cancer care - utilizing fewer walls for a more open and flexible layout. The patient experience is made seamless with improved circulation. Unlike other hospitals and clinics, its organization is open rather than maze-like, preventing disorientation and reducing the feeling of a "clinical" experience for patients," said David Jaeger, HED's Healthcare Design Studio Leader.