By Dan Hounsell

Successful healthcare systems connect with their patients. In Arizona, a first-of-its-kind construction project is bringing a different kind of connection to healthcare.

The first-ever Ronald McDonald House designed and built for a hotel has officially opened at the Marriott Springhill Suites at The Highlands, connected to Presbyterian Hospital via a skywalk in downtown Albuquerque, N.M., according to Healthcare Construction+Operations.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of New Mexico and Titan Development, a creator and developer of The Highlands project, are celebrating the arrival of the first guest families to its new Ronald McDonald Highlands House, which occupies the hotel’s entire third floor.

The floor is dedicated to the nonprofit and customized to fit the needs of families staying with their often seriously ill children undergoing treatment at area hospitals. The new 19,000-square-foot space features 20 guest rooms, a secured dedicated elevator and community areas including living room spaces, library, indoor and outdoor play areas, technology nooks, a large kitchen and a laundry room.