Patient Care Center Plans Advance
What began as a visioning session last March has culminated in an invitation for the construction community to submit proposals for the UMSL Patient Care Center building. Incorporating ideas generated from students, staff, alumni, and faculty over the course of seven months, HOK delivered the design for a 48,000 square foot facility on time and within budget. One contractor will be given the opportunity to take those plans and construct the facility on the UMSL south campus along Natural Bridge Road. "We are looking forward with great anticipation to the beginning of construction in early 2015,” said Dean Larry Davis. The need for a new facility is an important step in the college’s history. "For the last 30+ years the University Eye Center has provided eye and vision care for the North County community. The Patient Care Center will also provide opportunities for UMSL to partner with other health care professionals, expanding the available services offered," Davis said. Approximately 25% of the building is designated for such partnerships.
Optometry students were essential supporters of the plan and without their overwhelming support for a facilities fee this plan would not have moved forward. Nearly 40% of the debt service will be paid via the new student fee.
During the visioning session it was clear that the facility must be equipped with the latest technology and highlight the clinical expertise of the outstanding college faculty. According to Davis, "Optometry is an image rich technology dependent discipline so we must stay ahead of the curve in order to provide the desired patient care experience and prepare our graduates for 21st century patient care." The resources necessary to expand and renew technology and equipment is not included in the cost of construction; therefore planning is underway to seek funding for technology and equipment through individual, foundation and corporate gifts.
Additional details and progress will be communicated in future editions of the EyeWire.
For additional details see: http://blogs.umsl.edu/news/2014/10/27/hok-pcc/