The Players Center For Cancer And Blood Disorders At Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville, Florida

The Players Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Nemours Children’s Health provides specialized and comprehensive pediatric hematology and oncology care for young patients in Jacksonville, Fla.

In June 2023, the hospital completed a renovation and expansion of the 12,000-square-foot clinic.

Located on the hospital’s fifth floor, the project includes a lobby and waiting room, laboratory, exam and consultation rooms, five open infusion bays, and three private isolation rooms for immunocompromised patients.

Pediatric cancer facility design

In the face of pediatric cancer, families find themselves navigating a tumultuous landscape filled with stress and uncertainty.

With that knowledge top of mind, Gresham Smith’s healthcare group (Jacksonville), which provided architecture and interior design services on the project, sought to create dedicated work and treatment spaces that would equip medical providers with the tools they needed to quality deliver care.

Additionally, public and clinical spaces are infused with colors, patterns, and artwork to serve as positive distractions for patients and families.

Positive distractions for young patients

Specifically, furnishings and décor were chosen to provide a welcoming and uplifting environment for pediatric patients and their families.

For example, artwork throughout the corridors and rooms features uplifting images of animals, nature, and other abstract scenes to draw the attention of young patients.

Seating was chosen to promote comfort and family connections in both waiting and treatment spaces.

The colorful lobby features aqua, green, red, and yellow colors, while floor-to-ceiling windows provide views of the St. John’s River, which runs through downtown Jacksonville.

Respite spaces for patients

Recognizing the innate healing power of creativity, a dedicated arts and crafts space was thoughtfully planned to engage and uplift young patients.

For teens, a dedicated area with video games and a lounge offers teenagers a place to take a break and find moments of rest and escape.

The Players Center For Cancer And Blood Disorders At Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville, Florida, project details

Location: Jacksonville, Fla.

Completion date: June 2023

Owner: Nemours Children’s Health System

Total building area: 12,000 sq. ft.

Total construction cost: $5 million

Cost/sq. ft.: $417.15

Architect: Gresham Smith

Interior designer: Gresham Smith

General contractor: Robins & Morton

Engineer: TLC

Builder: Robins & Morton

Medical equipment planner: Gresham Smith