More than a decade after Hurricane Katrina destroyed much of New Orleans’ healthcare infrastructure, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs opened a new replacement medical center in the heart of the city’s growing medical district. Designed by Studio NOVA (a joint venture between NBBJ, EDR and Rozas Ward) to serve the unique needs of America’s heroes, and the complex security, emergency preparedness and floodplain issues that come with operating in New Orleans, the new VA Medical Center creates an environment that honors Veterans and their families, respects adjacent neighborhoods and reflects the region’s culture.
Providing comprehensive care for over 2,000 Veterans per day, the 1.7 million square-foot campus includes 200 inpatient beds, 300 outpatient exam rooms, 20 intervention procedure rooms, emergency and imaging departments, rehabilitation and mental health services, patient education facilities, and a transitional living center. In addition to the clinical components, the campus includes two parking garages, a state-of the-art central energy plant, and the historic preservation of two buildings: the Pan Am office building for administrative use and the Dixie Brewery for research activities.
The overall campus is also designed to withstand the impacts of future natural disasters, with an exterior that can weather hurricane force winds, a ramp to the emergency department that doubles as a boat launch, and supplies that allow it to operate for a week without outside help.
The project is the recipient of the national “Best of the Best Award” by Engineering News Record and the Inspiration Awards from Contract magazine. It has been published by the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg Businessweek and Healthcare Design magazine.
Drive time: ~20 minutes
Tour Length: ~2.5 hours
Arrival time at facility: ~1:20 p.m.
Return time to convention center: ~4:30 p.m.
2400 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119