Cutting edge: MUSC to open new hospital
Facility is first phase in 20-year growth plan
By Jill Coley
Facility is first phase in 20-year growth plan
A metallic wall of glass rising from the MUSC campus reflects a Charleston skyline that has fundamentally changed.
But far more than the city's skyline has been affected by this construction.
An 11:30 a.m. Friday dedication, featuring Tommy Thompson, former U.S. secretary of Health and Human Services, will mark the completion of MUSC's Ashley River Tower. In January, patients with cardiovascular and digestive diseases will check in to the gleaming, 641,000-square-foot facility at 25 Courtenay Drive.
The Post and Courier
Visitors to the MUSC Ashley River Tower will be greeted by this majestic, sail-shaped wall of glass in the building's conservatory entrance. The facility will be dedicated Friday; patients will move in January.
The $275 million building is the first phase in the Medical University of South Carolina's 20-year expansion that will break out other specialties and eventually replace the teaching hospital.
The new hospital has 156 beds, 32 of which are in intensive care, and nine operating rooms. A chest-pain center is designed to offer around-the-clock diagnosis and treatment. Specially sized beds and equipment accommodate bariatric surgery patients.
"It's the realization of a dream," said Fred Crawford, chief of cardiothoracic surgery. The plan was the result of untold hours of meetings between doctors, nurses and administrators and the architects from NBBJ and LS3P, he said.
One constant in medicine is change. To accommodate future technology, the operating rooms are large and easily modified. Equipment hangs on booms from the ceilings, simplifying the swapping out of old technology. The ends of hallways are removable should large machines need to be lifted in.
"Not only is the building state of the art, it's going to be a place where a new concept is employed," said Mark DeLegge, medical director of the Digestive Disease Center.
The "service line" concept will streamline patient care, he said. Instead of patients going to one office to see their gastroenterologist and a different floor to see their gastrointestinal surgeon, they will work side by side.
By the numbers
MUSC Ashley River Tower
$275 million: Cost
641,000: Square footage
156: Total beds
32: Intensive-care beds
22: Bariatric beds
9: Operating rooms
1,483: Additional parking spaces
31,844: MUSC heart and vascular cases*
36,945: MUSC digestive disease cases
Architecturally, the sail-shaped wall of glass is the hospital's most salient feature and has drawn the most attention. Greg Soyka, executive project manager for the architectural firm LS3P, compared it to modern art. There are some knee-jerk reactions against it, he said, but when people understand the concept, they begin to like it.
The building has three main parts: A four-story procedural space for diagnostics and treatment and a seven-story patient tower, which are connected by a tall, light-filled conservatory. The layout is a departure from the old hospital model that Soyka describes as a tower on top of a pancake, in which a patient bed tower rises above a few big floors used for procedural space.
Patients and families enter the conservatory, filled with familiar bluestone and greenery. A 60-foot-tall wall of windows towers on the far side. Light and openness are themes that play throughout the hospital.
A central check-in area in the conservatory and reception desks on each floor by the elevators keep patients and families from feeling lost.
Patients will have single rooms that average 340 square feet. And some of the views are resort-grade, looking out onto the boats moored along the Ashley River. Instead of corridors that terminate with a wall, windows create a sense of visual openness.
The building's glass shell can withstand 220 mph winds. Tests included firing a 2-inch by 4-inch timber and marble-sized shot from a cannon, Soyka said. While the glass may spider, it should not break.
The building can also sway 8 inches during an earthquake. Expansion joints are filled with shock-absorbing coils, and utility wires rest coiled to allow for stretching.
Built 11 feet above flood level and on high-test stilts, the hospital allows emergency parking on the ground floor and potential floodwater to move into a pump station.
"The hospital is built not only to survive," Soyka said, "but to remain functional."
Reach Jill Coley at 937-5719 or jcoley@postandcourier.com.
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Printer-friendly versionComments
captivated (anonymous) says...
I smell serious parking problems.
October 11, 2007 at 7:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
concerned_NC (anonymous) says...
No Problem, Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr., can bulldoze the projects over by his little ballpark and move the people living there up into the City of North Charleston.
Thereby solving the parking problem and moveing a crime problem into the City of North Charleston, like he's done before.
Wow, no wonder he has been Mayor for life.
October 11, 2007 at 8:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
And the political anti-Riley troll comes out again. You people really need a life.
The parking issue is solved through an 1,800-car garage right across Bee Street. More garages will probably be constructed around Courtenay Drive, especially after Phase II and III get built.
October 11, 2007 at 8:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
captivated (anonymous) says...
icbmman-The hospital starts checking in patients in January. The garage next to it is already filled with employees. The area under will hold few cars. The new garage is not nearly finished and two blocks away. Anyone attending Fridays' dedication can expect a very long walk. Like I said; I smell serious parking problems. Maybe we should ask King Riley for a solution.
October 11, 2007 at 9:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SamKentov (anonymous) says...
Thought I heard a vacuum start up then I realized that Icbmman is around and on the way to see Joe.
Regardless, You must be akin to the mayor, reality can stare you in the face and you still don\\\'t believe it.
BTW, while your up in his office tell him that he was taken for a ride by the suit tailors and that he\\\'s really naked.
October 11, 2007 at 9:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
You people are truly demented. Read some of my prior posts, and you will see that I am very critical of the mayor. However, you people apparently are Mary Clark clones that intend to criticize literally everything that the city does. It's disgusting. There are legitimate things to complain about in the city, but the incessant blame placed on the mayor for EVERY single little thing is just stupid and juvenile.
Captivated, the new garage is one block away. It's adjacent to the Wellness Center across from Bee Street on Courtenay. It is not a LONG walk. However, if construction is lagging behind the hospital opening, you're right, it will be a problem temporarily. My only complaint is that the garage isn't big enough. It should accomodate 3,000 vehicles, IMO.
October 11, 2007 at 11:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Mon_Kie (anonymous) says...
What is with the new MUSC powerplant, that big gray cement abomination that was constructed in between Bee Street and the Crosstown?
It looks like they were trying to build a permanent drive in theatre.
The Pointless Courier always shows the big glass building, that looks like it was stolen from Houston, when they talk about the new hospital, but I haven't heard anything about how they are going to make that powerplant structure blend in.
MUSC was allowed to leave two double wide house trailers temporarily parked by the Crosstown for several years, and now this permanent monstrosity.
Tourists and visitors see this part of Charleston too, they are not instantly transported in to the Battery when they take a vacation here.
October 11, 2007 at 11:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
concerned_NC (anonymous) says...
icbmman - you must be one of Mary Clarks rejects, did she fire you from a minor job or something. You seem to have this certain thing for her.
You obviously don't understand how many people are working down there at MUSC. Or how many will be hired to staff this new hospital.
Theres only one space available for expansion, and your Mayor will do it.
October 11, 2007 at 12:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
concerned_NC (anonymous) says...
How much are they paying now days to defend the old fool!
October 11, 2007 at 12:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
No concerned, I just know an idiot when I see one, and Mary Clark takes the cake. Considering this pseudo-town mayor's vehement hatred for the mayor of Chas, I use her as a primary example to demonstrate your shrill tone among others when EVERYTHING that happens in the city ALWAYS reverts to the mayor.
I used to work for MUSC, genius, so I know how many people work there. If you actually read the entirety of my posts, you would see that I acknowledged a parking problem may occur, especially if the new garage isn't finished. The new hospital building actually is replacing part of the old hospital that will either be converted to university offices or bulldozed to prepare for a research building or something like it. So, many more employees are not being hired to staff the new building...most are old employees that will be moved.
BTW, when the hell have I defended him? Please, get...a...life!!
October 11, 2007 at 12:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
concerned_NC (anonymous) says...
Bubba said he wanted full control, he got it, now he gets full credit even if it anoys his lackys. You had better get use to it.
Over 10,000 working there now and LOTS more comming with the new hospital.
Be nice and Mary may take you back in.
October 11, 2007 at 1:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
What are you 14? Maybe 81 and missing half a mind? Grow up.
October 11, 2007 at 2:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
concerned_NC (anonymous) says...
Wow, look who thinks theirs don't stink.
How long have you suffered from those feeling of being superior to all around you.
October 11, 2007 at 3:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MinoritySouth (anonymous) says...
"Medical University of South Carolina's 20-year expansion"
I agree. There is not enough parking as well as additional infrastructure to support any additional growth down there. It is already a logisticle nightmare for the average worker at MUSC,(Average 30 minute drive from West Ashley, 5 minutes looking for parking in a designated lot/garage, 10 minute bus ride to your building, 5 minute walk/elevator ride and they are expecting more growth?? I think they have reached the point of super saturation on the penisula..) I also wonder about the structural integrity of these buildings? Are they suited for that type of land down there given the fact that, wasn't most of that marsh initially?? If so, I wonder what are the long term effects of putting that much steel and concrete on man made land with the constant tidal flooding as well as the potential for hurricanes bring massive floods?? That is going to be a lot of eggs in one basket. I guess they have got it all handled..??
October 11, 2007 at 4:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MinoritySouth (anonymous) says...
The insurance on that must be out of this world. It is insured???
October 11, 2007 at 4:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tulane75 (anonymous) says...
The new hospital building is truly beautiful. My first reaction to the article was pride for MUSC, the medical community and the community as a whole. Many of the comments above are mean spirited and gratuitously critical. Yes, I suppose we will have to deal with the new issues that progress will bring, but I would still rather have state of the art hospitals (including the "new" Roper Hospital) with an enhanced ability to save lives. I am confident that EMS can get to the ER and that we will work through the problems like parking.
October 11, 2007 at 5:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
exorcist_pencocky (anonymous) says...
Yes, I have to agree with you, Ms. Tulane75, it is a beautiful piece of art work.
Some might not agree, Mayor Riley supposedly was upset with the way it looked, I was told.
Then what can you expect from someone who brings a naked woman, who smears chocolate over her totally naked body, to the gillyard, as part of his Italian Art Festival.
October 11, 2007 at 8:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Reader (anonymous) says...
The new building is an eyesore.
October 11, 2007 at 11:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
exorcist_pencocky (anonymous) says...
Wow ibcmman, ridiculing all the elderly people who have mental problems, no wonder you don't work at MUSC and Mary Clark dumped you.
You should be ashamed. What would the city of charleston, mayor joseph p. riley, jr. think.
October 12, 2007 at 5:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
What maturity. The pesudo-town of James Island nutjobs must love you and concerned_NC. Or, are you and him one of the same person?
Like I've said, you and concerned need to be a life...fast!
October 12, 2007 at 8:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
concerned_NC (anonymous) says...
Tsk, Tsk, Tsk, So much hate, so little joy of life.
October 12, 2007 at 8:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
I'm not the one who vehemently hates a man named Joe Riley so much that he calls him a fool and other names. You and exorcist are trolls, and it is obvious ya'll have nothing meaningful or constructive to say. You guys are literally obsessed and need mental help. Consider this my last correspondence with you.
I will no longer "feed the trolls".
October 12, 2007 at 9:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MinoritySouth (anonymous) says...
Citizen Tulane75 you stated, "Many of the comments above are mean spirited and gratuitously critical." Well I have another criticism that applies if you are refering to comments within the subject matter. I think everyone has a right to speak their mind about public instituitions that are... hum??, PUBLIC!!! (in other words, funded by the allocation of State and Federal taxes, my money, your money, if you are a tax payer..?? MUSC is not a plantation ran at the master's whims. Though, I wonder sometimes..?? I know that was mean spirited but also a valid concern I have about the instituition's employment practices.) I think most would agree that anything created with public funds warrants public opinion. In fact, the comments concerning the subject matter are the antithesis of.. drum roll, GRATUITOUS... Furthermore, saying that these comments on the subject matter are mean spirited is simply subjective. In plain English, the reason for these comments are; the resources used belong to "We the People" of South Carolina. We have a right to question prudence to protect our resources from an agenda of a select few, a minority of a different sort. Gratuitous is a great word...
TheCitadel92'
October 12, 2007 at 10:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MinoritySouth (anonymous) says...
DON'T TAZ ME BRO!!!
October 12, 2007 at 10:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
Minority, as far as the soil integrity, keep in mind that Manhattan's World Trade Center was built on water. The area around MUSC actually has better stability than towards the Citadel campus. I wouldn't worry about the building's structural integrity. You are right, MUSC (the university) is a public institution, but the hospital is also a non-profit revenue generator, making it a semi-private organization. Therefore, it does have some rights in determining its future growth and development.
You do have a point about parking, but from knowing what MUSC has planned, more parking garages are to be built, eventually eliminating the need for that BFE parking lot near the ballpark. Courtenay Drive and Bee Street are supposed to be widened as well. Traffic should get better...it's getting into downtown that continues to be the problem.
October 12, 2007 at 3:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MinoritySouth (anonymous) says...
Semi is the operative there.. Think about it. If it is mostly private why is Riley involved. Why was Riley instrumental in the Hospital not moving out near the Airport, which makes more sense??? While most of the workers come from elsewhere..?? Can you say incentives paid for by you and me while the agenda is to keep all that revenue in the city of charleston inspite of growth potential limited by the mere fact that part of the "Low Country" is truely not meant for that kind of traffic, structures. Well I guess if the City officials bull dozed every thing between Interstate 26 and MUSC. It could work.
Look around, there are no skyscrapers in Charleston... I am not an engineer but I deduce that there is a specific reason why there are no skyscrapers in Charleston and it is not because the money could not be raised?? The foundation integrity would all ways be suspect I speculate. So to put more steel, mortar and concrete down in addition to what is already there is suspect to me, a person who does not have an engineering background but some common sense.
What about the tropical threats and evacuation options? I guess making Courtney wider will take care of that.. Given the right conditions, perfect storm if you will, it could be pretty ugly 100 yards or so from the harbor...
October 12, 2007 at 4:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MinoritySouth (anonymous) says...
Nice talking with you Ich.
Chao
October 12, 2007 at 4:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
concerned_NC (anonymous) says...
Heres a nice little map of Bee Street and Courtney Street. Widening would take a fair piece of magic.
http://academicdepartments.musc.edu/v...
October 12, 2007 at 8:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tuckerma (anonymous) says...
Actually, there will be plenty of parking when the new garage 1 block away from the new hospital is complete, and I understand that it is on schedule, as the hospital does not begin taking patients until January.
Mon_Kie, the new energy plant will not have that big blank wall forever. The garage is being built against it. Future phases of the hospital will not be pushing northward; they will be built on property already belonging to MUSC.
Furthermore, MinoritySouth, the building is quite structurally sound - 42 miles of pilings. :-) As evidence of this, it is the first hospital in the nation built to the most up-to-date earthquake and hurricane standards.
All of you have valid concerns, but to me, it appears that this new facility and the entire hospital expansion plan is very, very well-thought-out and well-engineered.
http://www.muschealth.com/ashleyriver...
October 15, 2007 at 9:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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