Lee Health opened the Gulf Coast Medical Center Skilled Nursing Unit in Fort Myers, Fla., in January 2019 to provide post-acute services for patients needing short-term medical recovery and rehabilitation as part of its care continuum. The three-story, 75-bed facility was constructed by Stevens Construction (Fort Myers) and designed by Studio+ (Fort Myers).
Each floor features an open concept living room, kitchen, nurse station, and 25 private patient beds with convenient access to the occupational and physical therapy rooms. One of the main design objectives was to provide flexibility, with patient rooms designed to accommodate rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and senior care patients. The facility’s 3,000-square-foot therapy gym incorporates the latest in technology and equipment that can eventually serve patients needing outpatient care.
With its close proximity to Gulf Coast Medical Center, the skilled nursing unit has emergency access to the hospital and shares resources with the facility to reduce the cost of care. For example, food is delivered from the hospital each day and prepared via the skilled nursing unit’s warming kitchen.
Inspired by the surrounding landscape including nearby driftwood sculptures, the interior finishes and furniture selection include washed woods to bring warmth and texture, blue and white colors that mimic the Gulf and ocean waters, and homelike furnishings that bring calmness into the space.
Project Details:
Facility Name: Gulf Coast Medical Center Skilled Nursing Unit
Location: Fort Myers, Fla.
Completion Date: January 2019
Owner: Lee Health
Total Building Area: 57,000 sq. ft.
Total Construction Cost: N/A
Cost/SF: N/A
Architecture Firm: Studio+
Interior Design: Studio+
Construction Manager: Stevens Construction, Inc.
Engineering: Morris Depew (civil engineer)
