Project category: New construction & Remodel/Renovation (completed December 2003)

Chief administrator: Fred Rankin, Chief Executive Officer, (540) 741-1100

Firm: Ellerbe Becket, (202) 654-9300

Design team: David Derr, AIA, Project Director; Roland Binker, AIA, Senior Medical Planner; Bil Catron, RA, Project Manager; Al Winchester, RA, Senior Project Architect; Jim Curran, RA, Project Designer

Photography: ©2003 Alain Jaramillo

Total building area (sq. ft.): 113,000 (new); 27,000 (renovation)

Construction cost/sq. ft.: $383 (new); $100 (renovation)

Total cost (excluding land): $43,300,000 (new); $2,700,000 (renovation)


The 318-bed Mary Washington Hospital is experiencing rapid growth in its core market of Fredericksburg and the surrounding counties. The area is part of the rapidly growing exurbs of both the District of Columbia and Richmond, Virginia.

The new 100-bed inpatient tower contains five stories composed around the main entrance and atrium lobby. A cantilevered overhang provides sheltered drop-off and a visual cue for the entrance, while the use of brises soleil and clear glazing on the exterior of the three-story atrium reinforces the transparency of the entrance and creates a dynamic new image for the hospital while improving access to the building. Designed to be the new center of the hospital, with retail and other amenities, its presence assists visitor orientation and wayfinding.

The addition includes bridges connecting to existing acute care patient units to allow for flexibility in staffing and bed assignment, promoting efficient facility operation by allowing separate units to share staff and equipment as patient loads fluctuate.

The $46 million project represents 113,000 square feet of new construction and 27,000 square feet of renovation.