Ground Broken for $840M Louisville VA Medical Center

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District recently broke ground for the new VA Medical Center in Louisville, Kentucky. With an area of over 972,000 square feet, the new $840-million medical center will replace the existing Robley Rex VA Medical Center.

The Louisville VA Medical Center will serve a population of more than 150,000 in Kentucky and southern Indiana, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to health by incorporating inpatient and outpatient services for expanded access to primary care, specialty, surgical and mental health services. The 34-acre campus includes two parking structures, a central utility plant and other site amenities. The project is anticipated to be completed in 2026.

The new Louisville VA Medical Center has previously been recognized by the American Institute of Architects and the Michigan Chapter of the AIA for its exceptional design. The architecture of the new medical center integrates a focus on sustainability, relationships to nature and symbolism intrinsic to military life.

The facades of the medical center feature vertical patterning of metal panels and curtainwall, inspired by the colorful regalia of military ribbons, while horizontal striations reference the similar natural layering of limestone found in the surrounding Kentucky hills. The concourse and gardens are divided into four areas representing the milestones of a veteran’s service: join, bond, honor and thank. The pair of parking structures are screened in copper-colored bowed and wire mesh panels, which frame a perforated screen emblazoned with a patriotic theme.

The facility is designed to comply with the Government’s Guiding Principles for Sustainable Federal Buildings. It will include a large photovoltaic array that generates a portion of the center’s electrical energy, green roofs, water use reduction and optimized energy performance. The biophilic design intertwines architecture and landscape, emphasizing the importance of nature in health and wellness. Key elements include terraces, ample green spaces, a contemplative courtyard and a linear garden that sweeps the length of the center, connecting to a light-filled indoor concourse that joins a range of spaces with uses such as education, ceremony, dining and respite.

The project team includes SmithGroup, AECOM and Walsh Turner joint venture.

Rendering courtesy of URS/SmithGroup.

View the animation of the future Louisville VA Medical Center: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WHfGyFh7C4