NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Saint Peter’s University Hospital has completed the final stage of $3.25-million in renovations to its ground-floor public spaces, including the construction of a remodeled and expanded customer lobby, restaurant and hospital gift shop. All areas are now accessible to and in use by Saint Peter’s employees and patrons.
The renovations place Saint Peter’s University Hospital at the leading edge of the growing trend in modern hospital design, according to New Jersey Business Magazine, which featured the improvements at Saint Peter’s in an article in its March issue. “Healthy designs, competition, and upscale feel and Zen-like surroundings are among the many criteria architects consider when designing for healthcare today,’’ the magazine said in describing “the people-pleasing healthcare architectural trend’’ that has taken hold at Saint Peter’s.
The remodeled gift shop has also received immediate acclaim as one of the 25 most “gifted’’ new retail shops in the country by Gifts & Decorative Accessories magazine.
“Research has shown that our customers relate the quality of healthcare to the quality of their surroundings – the look, accessibility and amenities found in public areas,” said Peter Connolly, chief marketing officer for the healthcare system. “Those modern extras extend to an entranceway water fall, imported tile floors, cherry wood paneling, simple but elegant menu choices in our restaurant, and a boutique feel to our gift shop.”
Connolly added, “The lobby, gift shop and restaurant have been designed to surpass all expectations of our many customers and to suit their multiple and varied needs.’’
The Gift Shop, now known as “The Gift Shop on Park,” achieves an inviting boutique ambience. Items for sale run from plush animals, to greeting cards, to jewelry, to handbags, to baby items, to children’s toys, to reading glasses, and more, including everyday conveniences such as snacks, magazines, books, and personal items for patients, visitors and employees. For employees, they are now able to buy products during the workday that previously required a trip to somewhere else.
“Restaurant 2FIFTY4,” as the former coffee shop is now called, features a more vibrant color scheme. Overhead natural lighting and natural bamboo plantings are a large part of the design, which strives for an outdoor atmosphere. As for the menu, greater emphasis has been placed on a wider variety of foods, including vegetarian and healthy choice offerings. There also is a “to-go” area for coffee, tea, and fresh-baked goods, in addition to “ready-made” take-home meals, a real convenience for visitors and employees alike.
The renovations were designed by Daniel Schunkewitz, a renowned healthcare architect headquartered in Denville, whose projects have ranged from private physician practices, to major teaching/university hospitals, to community based primary care centers.
Photo from http://www.saintpetershcs.com/.
