Blog
Steve Henke

The benefits of retail conversions for healthcare

With the rise of empty big-box retail spaces nationally, many healthcare organizations are finding cost-effective solutions to their facility needs

By Healthcare Facilities Today


New healthcare legislation, and the after-effects of the Great Recession are creating opportunities to rethink clinic design, including this recent trend in retail conversions, according to a blog on the Healthcare Design magazine website. 

With the rise of empty big-box retail spaces nationally, many healthcare organizations are finding cost-effective solutions to their facility needs by converting former stores into clinics, wrote blogger Christine Guzzo Vicker, HGA Architects and Engineers.

"The trend offers built-in benefits—many former stores are accessible to the community, offer ample parking, are integrated with the existing urban infrastructure, have open floor plates flexible to new uses, and provide cost-effective solutions to building ground-up. Additionally, retail spaces often provide inspiration from the retail industry, prompting healthcare providers to add such consumer-oriented amenities as concierge service, plusher waiting rooms, regional artwork, and branded signage to establish a welcoming environment," she wrote.

HealthEast Care System in St. Paul, Minn., offers a couple recent examples, the blog said. The Grand Avenue Clinic within a former storefront blends into the historic neighborhood by projecting a spa-like image with warm materials, rich wood tones, and varied ambient lighting. Across town at the Midway Clinic in a former big-box bookstore, efficient space planning within the two-story building directs patients between check-in on the ground level, destination exam rooms and consultation offices, and back to check-out.

Read the blog.

 

 



February 7, 2014


Topic Area: Blogs


Recent Posts

Probiotic Cleaners: The Start of a Cleaning Revolution?

Advantages of probiotic cleaning include fewer resistant genes and cost savings through decreased antibiotic use.


Gun Incident Highlights Need for Security Infrastructure

A man was arrested at Aultman Memorial Hospital after allegedly firing a gun in the ER.


Creative Solutions in Healthcare Acquires 5 Skilled Nursing Facilities

Each location is planned to begin substantial upgrades to infrastructure and resident services.


Over 700 Hospitals at Risk of Closure

Hospitals are citing financial problems at the main cause of potential closure.


Astrana Health Fully Acquires Prospect Health

They completed the acquisition of Prospect Health for a total purchase price of $708 million.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.