Rosecrance Ware Center - Rockford, Illinois
Saavedra Gehlhausen Architects
Posted: August 16, 2023 | Projects
Rosecrance, a private non-profit organization offering behavioral health services, purchased a long-vacant but structurally sound former grocery store as the site for the new Ware Center. The Ware Center provides mental health services for clientele throughout Rockford and the surrounding region.
Photograph courtesy of Nels Akerlund & Daniel G. Saavedra
The new location is 44,800 square feet, compared with 25,000 square feet at the current location, allowing for program expansion. The space has been designed specifically to meet the needs of clients and staff.
The existing masonry grocery store was stripped of all fixtures and finishes down to bare structure and exterior walls. The entire front façade was removed to allow for 2,500 square feet of curtain wall — allowing for a generous amount of natural light to enter the spacious waiting area, sized for 80 patrons.
A grand canopy was added to the main entrance that continues within the reception space. Suspended wood linear ceiling, suspended clouds of acoustical ceiling tile, generous amounts of natural and LED lighting, tile floors, tile feature walls, wood accents, and comfortable seating enhance the welcoming feel of the reception area.
In addition to the new curtain wall at the east elevation, 15 aluminum windows were added to the north and south elevations to provide natural light for the office spaces, the break room, and the resource center. The resource center provides a safe and relaxing atmosphere for patrons. It features interesting mineral fiber wall panels, builtin cabinetry, accent lighting, computer workstations, and comfortable seating.
A large workspace for 62 employees is inviting and dynamic, with tall ceilings, seven skylights, serpentine workstations, hexagon floor tiles, and a large feature logo wall. There are several private offices for employees to meet with clients in a private space. The offices are designed to be flexible spaces for all employees.
Patrons can focus holistically on healing by visiting the resource center, meeting with counselors, receiving prescription drugs at the 680-square-foot pharmacy, or spending time reflecting in the Chapel. The Chapel features custom stained glass windows and doors, comfortable seating, dimmable lighting, and a mineral fiber feature wall panel to create a non-denominational setting. To improve upon the energy efficiency of the existing building, 3 inches of spray foam insulation was added to the inside of the exterior walls and 5 inches of rigid insulation was added to the existing roof. A custom air handling unit was installed within the existing mezzanine to complement two high-efficiency boilers. A generator provides emergency power when needed.
Architect & Structural Engineer
Saavedra Gehlhausen Architects
504 N. Church Street, Rockford, IL 61104
www.sgadesign.com
Consulting Architect:
Eckenhoff Saunders Architects
1 Prudential Plaza, 130 E. Randolph Street, #1850
Chicago, IL 60601
Mechanical & Electrical Engineer:
KJWW Engineering Consultants
1100 Warrenville Road, #400W, Naperville, IL 60563
Civil Engineer:
Arc Design Resources
5291 Zenith Parkway, Loves Park, IL 61104
General Contractor:
Cord Construction Company
1322 E. State Street, Rockford, IL 61104
Date Bid: Apr 2014
Construction Period: Apr 2014 to Nov 2014
Total Square Feet: 44,800
Site: 4.22 acres.
Number of Buildings: One.
Building Sizes: First floor, 43,609; mezzanine, 1,191; total, 44,800 square feet.
Building Height: First floor, 20' 11"; mezzanine, 11' 8"; total, 23'.
Basic Construction Type: Adaptive Reuse/II B.
Foundation: Cast-in-place.
Exterior Walls: Brick, curtain wall, UHPC & ACM rainscreen.
Roof: Membrane.
Floors: Concrete.
Interior Walls: Metal stud drywall.
Click here to view the full cost details for this project in the July/August 2023 issue of DCD