New Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital Opens

WILLITS, Calif. — After three years of construction and anticipation, the $64-million new Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital, located on One Marcela Drive in Willits, California, recently opened its doors.

“This three-year construction process has taken longer than expected and the leadership team, providers and all staff, have been amazing in their determination and hard work throughout the preparation to open the new hospital,” shares Rick Bockmann, HMH president and CEO.

“The next step is to officially open our doors and move our patients from the current hospital at One Madrone to the new facility on One Marcela drive, which is scheduled for Oct. 29,” he adds.

The old hospital is just over a mile away from the new facility on One Marcela Drive, but the two buildings are worlds apart. “Aside from being earthquake-proof, the new HMH is designed for the patient experience. It’s built to foster a healing environment for our patients,” said Amy Ford, project manager for the construction. Community members who went on guided tours during the grand open house last month agree. “It’s a hospital but it doesn’t feel like it. It is so high tech and yet it feels comfortable and inviting. The artwork is beautiful, every little detail is perfect,” says Kathleen Goss after a tour of the new hospital.

The new hospital is more than double the size of the old one. It offers 25 private rooms with bathrooms, state-of–the-art operating rooms, a spacious emergency department with trauma bays and a helipad, which was not available at the old hospital. The new hospital also has beautiful artwork displayed, adding to that feeling of comfort and healing. “All the artwork was created by local artists in Mendocino County. We are the only art gallery open 24/7 and it adds to that healing atmosphere that we wanted our patients to feel,” shares Bockmann.

HBE served as design-builder on this project.