Construction Cost: $10,000,000
Completion Date: 2006.07

A new Cherokee Health Systems facility located in historic Mechanicsville Commons opened its doors in the summer 2006 and immediately created a recognizable, regional image. Cockrill Design & Planning worked closely with this innovative, not-for-profit, healthcare provider to create a place that reflected the organizations mission for healing.

Winner of the 2006 Orchid Award presented by Keep Knoxville Beautiful, the new center-city headquarters houses clinical spaces for pediatric and adult medical and behavioral health, corporate and administrative offices, pharmacy and dental spaces, and community meeting areas.

Features of the new 63,000 s.f. facility include expansive views of the surrounding mountains and cityscape integrated into patient and staff circulation patterns and an organizational arrangement which supports the model of integrated patient care. The building also features two entrances: the North Façade, which faces a New Urbanist community and provides the main entrance for pedestrian traffic; and the South Façade, which greets vehicular traffic and serves as a “billboard” for passer-bys on the nearby interstate.

Working with a modest budget and geographically-constrained site, Cockrill Design & Planning created an inviting structure that connects Cherokee Health Systems to the community as a servant facility and reinforces the urban planning goals established by the City of Knoxville.

Photography by Robert Batey.