Mercy Cedar Rapids Jewel & Jim Plumb Heart Center

With the goal of becoming the heart center of choice in eastern Iowa, Mercy Medical Center expanded their cardiology services with the Jewel & Jim Plumb Heart Center, adjacent to its downtown hospital. Designed and constructed by Ryan Companies, the technologically-advanced facility features 72,000-SF of space for cardiovascular related exams, treatments, testing and education. Walking alongside Mercy for its long-term vision, we designed the innovative center for vertical expansion to later relocate cardiac operating rooms, catheterization labs and inpatient care from the hospital to the heart center, uniting all cardiac care under one roof. Fostering a nearly 30-year-old relationship with Mercy, we broadened our services beyond construction, served as a strategic partner, engaged our collective approach and healthcare expertise.

The center’s ground floor includes a two-story lobby; rehab and physical therapy space with exercise equipment; indoor exercise track that extends outside; imaging suite for MRI, CTs and nuclear medicine; conference room; café; and non-denominational peace room. Connected to the main hospital by a 270-foot skywalk, level one features 72 exam rooms, pediatric area, nursing station and support staff spaces. The angled and colored exterior feature glass is a nod to the stained-glass windows of Mercy’s Catholic roots. To increase pedestrian interaction and provide outdoor space for patients, the team created a welcoming and serene gathering space and healing garden on the edge of the site. Although, we ran into some delays, our design-build approach enabled early buyout of structural steel, roofing and glass, which helped avoid procurement delays and schedule impacts.