Jersey City Medical Center - New Replacement Hospital and Ambulatory Care Center

Challenge

The original Jersey City Medical Center campus, comprised of outdated Depression-era high-rise buildings, presented significant challenges to RBSD and its joint venture partner Ballinger when faced with the goal of updating the hospital to meet current technological advancements and to accommodate the hospital’s future growth. The existing hospital’s large, institutional wards were practical for medical treatment back in the 1930s when hospital stays were longer and focused more on inpatient care. Since that time, tremendous advances in medical treatment and care have necessitated a less institutional environment and more facilities for ambulatory patient services.

The first and foremost question confronting the design team was to decide whether or not it was feasible to work within the existing structures via an extensive modernization effort, or to select a new site and design an all-new replacement facility. Factors taken into account included:

• Master planning growth capabilities
• Need for up-to-date technology
• Need to accommodate modern medical care practices
• Development costs
• Complex construction phasing issues within a functioning hospital
• Operations efficiencies based on departmental relationships
• Consolidation of related facilities to meet staff cross-training agenda

Solution

Ultimately, developing an entirely new facility rather than renovating the existing buildings allowed for the most cost-effective means of implementing brand new technology and modern delivery of healthcare. With RBSD providing the architectural and interior design services, and Ballinger managing project engineering and exterior design, the joint venture team designed a brand new replacement hospital—the largest in the region during the past 25 years. The design of the new facility and separate ambulatory care center would both modernize and broaden the spectrum of services offered by Jersey City Medical Center.

Aesthetic Design

The new site just north of Liberty State Park gave the project design team a unique opportunity to capitalize on remarkable views of Lower Manhattan to the East and the Statue of Liberty to the South. Large windows provide ample natural light and showcase the site’s unique views. The seven-story, silver and gray granite and metal panel structure conveys a more high-tech image than what could have been possible within Jersey City Medical Center’s original 1930s structures. 

Optimal Functionality

Because the team was beginning with a clean slate, the designers were able to work with hospital personnel to develop a state-of-the-art facility with the departments and support services organized to better accommodate healthcare processes.

• An oversized trauma elevator provides direct vertical connections between vital departments, forming the “Patient-Dedicated” critical care chain.
• A central supply department featuring direct dumbwaiter access to surgery and delivery suites enhances overall efficiency.
• A state-of-the-art pneumatic tube system connects departments within the hospital.

The angle of the building creates a diagonal spine that connects the two triangular patient towers, which become more clearly articulated above the fourth floor. The longer perimeter created by the triangular design bolsters efficiency, as it:

• Maximizes the number of patient rooms
• Minimizes walking distances to staff support area

At the juncture of the two triangular wings, visitor elevators are accessible from the south “sky” lobby, with and a separate patient and service elevator and lobby located in the north. The separate elevators allow optimum access for both visitors and service functions, keeping both distinct. Wayfinding within patient units is clear because the circulation is a continuous loop, always returning to the main sky lobby.

Specializations

In addition to comprehensive general medical and surgical services, the new facility includes specialized departments that will serve the rapidly expanding needs of the Hudson County community:

• Comprehensive coronary and cardiac care
• Level II trauma center
• Behavioral medical facilities
• Maternal and child care center

Recognizing that the care of children is different than that of adults, Jersey City Medical Center’s program requirements for the new hospital included a self-contained “Children’s hospital within the hospital.”  Separate from the rest of the inpatient population, the new Children’s Hospital features comprehensive facilities for all facets of pediatric care within a child-friendly environment that uses a nautical theme and includes:

•  Toys ‘R’ Us Starlight Playroom
•  26 pediatric beds
•  Pediatric emergency department  
• Six-bed pediatric ICU

Future Expansion

Keeping in mind constant advancements in medical technology and treatment, the design for the new hospital included provisions for future expansion of the facility. Working with hospital administration and staff, it was determined that the ICU and Women’s Health Services were two key areas where expansion may be necessary in the future. Accordingly, the hospital has the ability to expand in both those critical areas upon roof areas that have been structurally designed to receive expansion. In addition, the siting of the building on an open lot means that additions can be built to provide future horizontal expansion for all departments or new services.

Result

Named the Wilzig Hospital, Jersey City Medical Center’s new 359-bed replacement facility stands as a model for future medical centers in both its operational efficiency and its dedication to creating an attractive, healing environment that comforts those seeking treatment. RBSD’s extensive involvement in this project gives the firm unique experience in creating an architectural design that offers the optimal design layouts for the way medical care is delivered today. 

When Wilzig Hospital opened in May 2004, it marked a new beginning for healthcare in Jersey City that both reflects and promotes the City’s recent revitalization and re-birth.  Benefits have already been derived through the hospital’s increased ability to attract potential new physicians with state-of-the-art facilities equipped with the latest technology. The increased public awareness of the new facility has created an upsurge in philanthropic, community, and corporate support. The expectation is that the trend will continue, enabling the institution to provide continued improvements in healthcare service to the City of Jersey City as well as the Hudson County region.