Colorado Real Estate Journal -
This month’s opening of Castle Rock Adventist Hospital was a big deal for the community, in more ways than one. The $128 million facility created Castle Rock’s first hospital beds, an iconic structure and one of the largest community gardens in the Denver metro area. Centura Health’s mission is two-fold: to provide world class health care and to promote health and wellness in the community, said Todd Folkenberg, CEO of Castle Rock Adventist Health Campus. “The garden very much fits in with that latter part of the mission.” Covering approximately 1.2 acres, Castle Rock Adventist’s community garden has 95 boxes, including six that are handicap-accessible. Individuals and community groups can rent beds for $75 per growing season, which pays for water. The “Garden of Eatin’” has been so well-received that there already is talk of expanding it by another three-quarters of an acre next year. “Our worry is we’re going to get more demand than we have beds,” said Folkenberg. Part of the impetus for the garden was to provide a place where the hospital’s executive chef could source fresh produce for Castle Rock Adventist’s sit down restaurant. Steered by a committee that included community members, the concept grew to include an outdoor demonstration kitchen pavilion, children’s playground, seating, storage boxes and participation of organizations such as the Wellspring Community, which provides opportunities for young adults with disabilities. Although it is not the first community garden affiliated with a hospital campus, “This is the first time something this big has been done for the community,” said Sean Malone, principal at Norris Design, the landscape architect and planner. “It seems unique to have a hospital promote community outreach at that scale,” added Elena Scott, also a principal at Norris Design. Norris led the design-build effort in partnership with the hospital’s contractor, GE Johnson, and LandTech.
Although GE Johnson was well under way with construction of Castle Rock Adventist Hospital, it wasn’t until approximately five months before opening that the community garden concept grew to fruition. “It was a big effort by a lot of people to make it happen, and it became a big success,” said Malone. “Honestly, the garden was not in our budget,” said Folkenberg, who added that many people were responsible for the outcome. Home Depot donated the playground equipment, Lowe’s donated the gardening tools, and RK Mechanical helped GE Johnson with labor. “I think it would still be a good-looking plan if those organizations had not stepped up,” he said. HuntonBrady Architects designed the four-story, 212,240-square-foot Castle Rock Adventist Hospital campus, which eventually could grow to 250 beds. Located on a ridge visible from Interstate 25, it offers sweeping mountain views and a dramatic four story lobby. HuntonBrady said the hospital was intentionally designed with “evidenced-based architectural details that enhance the healing environment and provide places of hope, health and respite for patients.” Those details relate to patient safety, patient outcomes, the importance of staff environments, infection control, noise attenuation, daylight, views of nature, art and gardens. GE Johnson completed the state-of-the-art facility ahead of schedule and under budget. The hospital features terrazzo flooring, abundant wood and stone materials, and LED lighting. Birthing suites include floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views, chandeliers and luxury finishes. The hospital campus features electric vehicle charging stations and bicycle sharing facilities.