MyMichigan Health Cancer Center: A $43.4 Million Model for Integrated, Patient-Centered Care
A new, comprehensive cancer center in Midland, Michigan, is redefining patient care through innovative design and a commitment to holistic wellness.
MyMichigan Health has unveiled its new $43.4 million Cancer Center, a 111,000-square-foot facility consolidating vital services previously dispersed across multiple locations. The center addresses a critical need for streamlined, patient-focused cancer treatment in central Michigan, transforming aging infrastructure into a beacon of hope and healing.
From Aging Buildings to a Unified Vision
Healthcare leaders at MyMichigan Health recognized the limitations of their existing Midland campus facilities. The buildings, described as “aging and misaligned,” were not conducive to the comprehensive, patient-centered care they aspired to deliver. To overcome this challenge, the team embarked on a strategic project to carefully evaluate existing assets and reimagine care delivery within a single, unified space.
The cornerstone of this transformation was the adaptive reuse of two existing medical office buildings, Towsley 2 and 3, aged 37 and 48 years respectively. Hord Coplan Macht (HCM) spearheaded the design effort, conducting a thorough evaluation to maximize the potential of these existing structures.
Cost Savings Through Strategic Repurposing
Rather than opting for complete demolition and rebuilding, MyMichigan Health chose a more sustainable and cost-effective path: repurposing the existing buildings. This approach encompassed 106,550 square feet of renovation alongside 4,450 square feet of new construction. According to project leaders, this strategy yielded significant savings, reducing overall costs by $12 million.
“By stripping down the buildings to their skeletons and rebuilding them as a unified center, the project preserved the core framework,” a senior official stated. The savings were attributed to $7 million in reduced site, utility, and structural work, and an additional $5 million from the reuse of existing radiation oncology vaults.
A Holistic Approach to Patient Care
The redesigned facility prioritizes a holistic approach to patient well-being, bringing together a comprehensive suite of services under one roof. The MyMichigan Cancer Center now houses medical and surgical oncology, a 20-bay infusion center, radiation oncology with two linear accelerators and a CT simulator, a dedicated women’s and breast health center, and a Mohs skin cancer clinic.
Beyond core treatment modalities, the center offers specialized support services, including a rehabilitation gym, nutrition counseling, a boutique, and financial support. This “One-Stop Shop” model fosters collaboration among oncology subspecialties, enabling real-time care plan generation and a truly integrated, patient-centered experience. Shared consult and exam areas, strategically located near staff workspaces, further enhance efficiency and prioritize the patient’s overall well-being.
Design Inspired by Nature and Wellness
The transformation extended beyond functional improvements to encompass a design philosophy centered on healing and tranquility. Exterior walls were redesigned with stone and brick, harmonizing with recent campus projects and creating an updated, energy-efficient building envelope. Expansive new windows flood the interior with natural light and offer views of a newly landscaped courtyard.
Addressing a structural challenge – a tight 11’ 4” floor-to-floor height – the design team replaced outdated HVAC systems with distributed shafts, maximizing ceiling heights in public areas and creating a more welcoming environment.
Recognizing the therapeutic benefits of nature, the design incorporates healing gardens and accessible outdoor spaces. Research from the National Institutes of Health demonstrates that such environments can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression in cancer patients, contributing to both emotional and physical recovery. The building’s three-story atrium, opening onto the courtyard, serves as a central gathering space, connecting patients, families, and staff with nature year-round. Botanical motifs in flooring and branch patterns in glass dividers further reinforce the nature-centric theme, creating a calming and restorative atmosphere.
A Modern Hub for Rural Michigan
The MyMichigan Cancer Center represents a significant investment in the health and well-being of the community. What were once aging office buildings have been transformed into a modern, patient-focused treatment center, balancing cost efficiency with a commitment to warmth and healing. Patients traveling from across rural Michigan now have access to a clear, cohesive pathway through the complex cancer care process.
