The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center has selected HDR as the architect to program and develop a concept for a new addition to its Columbus, Ohio campus.

A new hospital tower is part of the university’s campus expansion plan, Framework 2.0, and will include surgical services, interventional radiology, emergency services, logistics and material management, and new parking facilities.

Framework 2.0 is a planning vision and collaborative update of the 2010 Framework 1.0 plan. This plan is a guide for stewardship of the physical campus, focusing more on the campus’ needs and capacity than on specific proposals. A living, flexible plan designed to allow for modification based on strategy over the next decade and beyond, Framework 2.0 supports the academic mission while maintaining and improving green areas.

The HDR team will work in collaboration with the Wexner Medical Center team to ensure the program aspects of the new patient tower fit into the university’s Framework 2.0 plan. Led by principal-in-charge Abigail Clary, design director Brian Kowalchuk, and programming director Chris Bormann, the HDR core team includes Jim Henry, Michael Street, Todd Eicken, Mark Jamison, Duncan Griffin, Jeff Fahs, Amy Lussetto, Cyndi McCullough, Brandy Olson, Beth Zacherle and Heather Albert.

“We are excited about the potential positive impact this project can have not only for the medical center and the hospital, but also for the city of Columbus,” Clary said. “This patient tower will represent what’s possible for The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, but also be representative of the ongoing evolution of the city. Ohio State never ceases to seek progress and we are especially motived to help Wexner Medical Center improve upon an already stellar patient experience.”

“Our goal is to develop a program that inspires physicians, helps enhance treatment for patients and expresses health excellence to Columbus and the university,” Kowalchuk said. “The programming of such a facility should capture and present the brand and culture that is the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.”

One important project outlined in the university’s framework plan is the relocation of Cannon Drive, expected to begin in 2017. The straightening and elevating of Cannon Drive supports future growth of the university and the medical center by creating 12 acres of developable land, serving as future flood protection, creating an eventual north-south connection between King and Lane Avenues and enhancing green space in the Olentangy River corridor.

This project brings together two of the nation’s leading organizations. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center had seven of its specialties nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report in 2017.  Less than 1 percent of hospitals in the country achieved that honor. HDR was again ranked the No. 1 design firm by Modern Healthcare’s Construction and Design Survey for the 14th consecutive year.