In September 2005, DAI was selected to evaluate the existing Huggins Hospital campus for future planning. After exploring options there and potential off-campus sites, development of a replacement Critical Access Hospital at their current location of approximately 85,000 square feet made the most sense. Budgets for various options ranged between $35 and $62 million.

The current site has a favorable history and excellent access. The option to build on the existing campus is not without a challenge from how to keep the existing acute care hospital in operation during construction, as well as dealing with site issues from wetlands to access and parking. Our team developed a master plan scheme to keep the existing facilities intact and fully operational during the building of a new two-story acute care facility. The 17.9 acre site plan reduces road entrances, aligning them to community routes and simplified service access while incorporating 444 parking spaces. A roof top heliport will reduce staff interruption and enhance emergency service directly to the ED while limiting neighborhood noise.

A proposed main building podium level has the Main Entry, Lobby, Registration, Dietary, Lab, Emergency Department, Surgical Suites, and Diagnostic Imaging. A second level bedroom program accommodates the Med/Surg, ICU, Birthing and Administration areas. Design of a ground level Memorial Garden is planned for future expansion of services as the community grows. The Board of Trustees voted on October 6, 2006, to proceed with this renovation and expansion project that has a projected cost of $51.5 million.