Location: Independence, Missouri
Year Completed: 2012
Size: 55,500 SF
Awards and Publications: Healthcare Design Magazine – Architectural Showcase 2013; Capstone Award – Community Impact 2013, Kansas City Business Journal; NTMA Honor Award 2013, National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association

HMN Architects partnered with Children’s Mercy on a new, free-standing medical office building. The 55,500 SF facility includes an imaging center, lab, urgent care, and support spaces. The building also is home to specialty clinic services including: cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, neurology, orthopedics, rehabilitation medicine, sports medicine, audiology and speech, and ear, nose and throat care.

This facility contains 20 exam rooms, 2 procedure rooms, an audio booth, a laboratory, as well as a full imaging center. Prior to the opening of this location, these services were located 20 miles away at Children’s Mercy’s downtown location.

East Clinic achieved LEED Certification based on the implementation of several sustainable design principles. These include installation of a combination of vegetated roofing and high albedo roofing materials to reduce the “heat island” effect. Alternative transportation is encouraged by providing bicycle racks and an area for changing/showering, as well as priority parking for low emission vehicles and carpoolers.

Materials selected for this project meet the requirements for regional material and recycled material credits. The landscaping design manages storm water run-off by filtration through natural vegetation bio-swales. Limited irrigation is provided; therefore, xeriscaping is utilized throughout the site including the vegetated roof areas. Smoking is prohibited on the campus and low-emitting materials have been selected to promote improved indoor air quality. An educational component was included by placing cartoon characters and signage throughout the building to inform children of the opportunities they have to be good stewards of the environment.

Exterior materials selected for use on the exterior were derived from the architectural vernacular of Children’s Mercy existing facilities, allowing the building to be readily identified by the public. Interior materials also follow the standards established by Children’s Mercy, being durable and in palettes that are fun and appropriate for children.

The design intent for the facility was to create a place for children to go when they are sick or hurt, that does not resemble a typical clinical setting. Interactive lighting features controlled by many child-size push-button consoles, bright finishes and cartoon characters on the walls and floors, clearly denote that this is a space designed for children to utilize and enjoy today; while the sustainable components of the design attest to the care and concern for their well-being in the future.