University of Rochester Medical Center Saunders Center
At the Marketplace Mall near Rochester, New York, patients with bone and joint conditions can receive treatment at one of the most comprehensive centers for orthopaedic surgery and outpatient care in the United States. The Saunders Center for Orthopaedics and Physical Performance transforms the site of a former Sears, its design and siting offering a solution for two converging national trends: a surge in vacant retail space, and a growing demand for more convenient healthcare infrastructure. The expansive facility combines ambulatory surgery and other essential orthopaedic services in one place, expanding care in an underserved region and helping to address healthcare equity gaps.
The Saunders Center provides 8 surgical suites, 144 exam rooms, advanced diagnostic imaging, movement-based physical therapy and athletic training, computerized motion analysis, customized prosthetics and assistive devices, and injury risk assessment and prevention. Every detail of the building and its surrounding campus is designed for accessibility, from convenient parking and decentralized entry points to a dedicated bus stop.
The Saunders Center provides 8 surgical suites, 144 exam rooms, advanced diagnostic imaging, movement-based physical therapy and athletic training, computerized motion analysis, customized prosthetics and assistive devices, and injury risk assessment and prevention. Every detail of the building and its surrounding campus is designed for accessibility, from convenient parking and decentralized entry points to a dedicated bus stop.
Patients conveniently access the full spectrum of care at the Saunders Center with ease, in a comfortable environment that encourages mobility. Knowing that in winter, caregivers arrive before sunrise and leave after dark, there is planned daylight access into the new tower’s clinic modules. Additionally, we took full advantage of the existing mall building which offered not only tall ceilings, but also skylights which were repurposed and supplemented to provide abundant daylight in pre- and post-operative care, therapy spaces, rehabilitation gyms, and pools.
Dr. Paul Rubery, Chair of Orthopaedics at URMC
The facility includes a 227,000-square-foot renovation and a 145,400-square-foot new outpatient clinical services building housing ambulatory surgery and post-operative care, all under one roof. The renovation and new build are connected by a public concourse, with multiple entrances and a discharge point from the surgical suite located along the corridor. This plan creates visibility and allows for intuitive wayfinding between areas.
Project Team
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