The RMH Group provided engineering services for a major healthcare expansion in Northern Colorado designed to meet growing regional demand. The project includes a new north-side tower that will expand hospital capacity from 191 to as many as 323 beds while adding a dedicated cancer center, expanded emergency department, and enhanced imaging and cardiac services.
Phase 1 includes new imaging and cardiac catheterization facilities, as well as a medical office building (MOB) housing the cancer center. Phase 2 delivers a 229,270-square-foot inpatient tower connected to the MOB, along with a larger emergency department. The cancer center comprises 16,000 square feet of oncology space, including a 10,000-square-foot infusion center with 22 treatment bays. The inpatient tower provides 96 MedSurg and ICU beds, with infrastructure in place to support future expansion. Emergency services will be expanded with 12 additional treatment beds and 10 Clinical Decision Unit beds.
The project required an extensive upgrade to the campus’ critical mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems, including fire pumps, an electrical distribution system, hot water heat exchangers, and a chiller. Technology integration was a key component of the expansion, featuring sophisticated systems for structured cabling, security, audiovisual, nurse call, real-time location services, distributed antenna systems, and emergency responder radio communications infrastructure.
While this project did not pursue LEED certification, it was designed with an emphasis on energy efficiency. UCHealth’s goal for the project was to achieve a minimum Energy Star 90 rating and an Energy Use Intensity (EUI) that meets or exceeds the State of Colorado Building Performance Standard of 172 EUI for hospitals. RMH’s engineering design of the MEP systems for the project is contributing to an estimated Energy Star 96 rating and an EUI of 161.4.
This expansion is designed with a forward-looking vision to accommodate future service growth, seamlessly integrating with the existing facility while embodying the architectural vernacular of northern Colorado. The new tower’s interior design will emphasize open, light-filled spaces that capture the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, setting a benchmark for patient-centered care in the region.