Baylor Medical Center at Waxahachie Celebrates Groundbreaking

DALLAS, Texas – Representatives from Baylor Medical Center at Waxahachie, HKS, Inc. and Medco Construction celebrated at a groundbreaking ceremony on April 10.

The new 267,000-square-foot replacement hospital will incorporate advanced technology including telemedicine, digital imaging, remote patient monitoring, electronic medical records and computer patient records. The hospital features 64 medical/surgical beds, 12 ICU beds, 12 postpartum beds and shell space along with a 75,000-square-foot medical office building.

HKS serves as architect and MEDCO Construction is the construction manager.

A glowing beacon sits on top of the bed tower as a symbol of Baylor’s healing presence in the community. The facility is grounded by a heavy stone base that signifies substance and permanence, much like many of the buildings in downtown Waxahachie. The majority of the facility is finished with rich red and cream-colored brick to reflect the coloration of the downtown historic district. Inside, the new facility is organized within a chassis created to facilitate flexible growth and change in the future.

“The design goal for Baylor Medical Center at Waxahachie is to reflect the unique aesthetic of the community while providing a fresh, modern direction that looks to the future of Waxahachie, while being respectful of its historic past,” said Marc Budaus, associate principal/healthcare practice leader with HKS.

Registered under HC v2009, the project is seeking LEED certification, demonstrating the Baylor Health System’s commitment to sustainability. “It is on course to be one of the first healthcare projects in North Texas to earn certification under the LEED for Healthcare rating system,” said Brian McFarlane, principal-in-charge, HKS, Inc. “The new facility is being designed to minimize energy usage through high-performance glass, strategic exterior shading devices and efficient HVAC systems. In addition, water-efficient plumbing fixtures, medical equipment and mechanical equipment have put the project on track to reduce the building’s annual water consumption by well over 30 percent.”

The project is estimated to be completed in fall of 2014.