SmithGroup to design Roy P. Drachman Hall

SmithGroup, one of Arizona's largest architecture, engineering, planning and interior design firms, recently announced that it has been selected to design the 105,000-sq.-ft., multi-story Roy P. Drachman Hall at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center (AHSC), in Tucson, Arizona.

The $30 million integrated office and instructional facility will be a distinct and dynamic building that will define a pedestrian portal and link the education campus of the university health sciences center with the main campus to the south. Half of the money raised for Drachman Hall is from private donations. SmithGroup will provide full programming, architectural and engineering services

SRS to Design Hospital Unit

Searer, Robbins & Stephens has been selected to design the new Women's and Infant Services unit for the Phoenix Baptist Hospital and Medical Center. The hospital, located at 2000 W. Bethany Home Road, made the decision to expand its services based on studies that predict a dramatic rise in the number of births over the next five to 10 years. Initial plans call for 10 labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum rooms, as well as 18 additional postpartum suites, doubling the capacity in the labor and delivery area. A third floor will be added to the existing two-story building, which was originally designed to accommodate as many as five additional floors. In addition to maximizing square footage, the choice to add a story will minimize disturbances to the present Women's and Infant Services unit and the Ambulatory Care Center.

The state-of-the-art clinic will feature jacuzzi tubs and entertainment centers in each private room, and will be operational in late 2003.

Summit Starts Work on Education Centers

Summit Builders broke ground on two early education centers located on the Gila River Indian Community in Sacaton and Gila Crossing, Ariz. Each of the new centers will encompass 21,052 sq. ft. on eight-acre sites, and will be completed in the fourth quarter 2003. The buildings are designed in a horseshoe configuration with outside courtyards featuring fountains, an amphitheater, courtyard seating and exposed aggregate sidewalks laced with native landscaping.
The buildings will consist of classrooms and activity areas for infants, toddlers, preschool and school age children as well as dining and homework areas. The facilities will also include a full service commercial kitchen with dining area, health center, teachers lounge and offices. QK4 of Tempe served as the project architect.