The new Patient Tower for Summa Health in Akron, Ohio, is the centerpiece of a $350 million system-wide transformational plan. This seven-story, 343,000-square-foot full-service hospital features a large curved canopy in front that serves as a drop-off point and provides direction to the main entry. Lush landscaping surrounds the front drive. Interior highlights include the first floor Dr. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Center for Breast Health and an expanded surgical suite. The second floor houses the birthing center and a NICU.
Design elements include LED lighting throughout and private rooms with 8’x8’ windows, which provide ample natural sunlight. The main two-story lobby connects the ground floor and the first-floor garage entrance, creating a cohesive entrance. There are more than 50 works of art throughout the building – all created by artists with an Ohio tie-in.
Planning for this project began in 2015 with two years to complete, from the 2017 groundbreaking to the grand opening ceremony (May 15, 2019). A true collaborative effort helped with expediency. The Summa design team was comprised of Hasenstab Architects Inc. and Perspectus Architecture. The joint construction management team was Shook Construction and Donley’s Inc.
