Visit the Bryan Hospital

For anyone that says that there is nothing going on in Williams County...you haven't driven down High Street in Bryan.

The new Bryan Hospital (slated to be completed in August) is one of the most impressive facilities that I have seen in a long time.  We were honored to receive a tour yesterday from Dr. Nick Walz, Chief Medical Officer.  What an outstanding trip.

Upside: Not only does the new building (which is also a massive renovation of the old building) contain most of the technology of a big city hospital, it also looks and feels like a big city hospital!  The use of the metal panel rain-screen introduces a color palette and texture that is unique in the County.  Although the pattern of the windows is primarily repetitive, the use of the ribbon windows at the top of both new towers provides distinction and a sort of cornice - perhaps a nod to the historic buildings around Courthouse Square.  The design is iconic.  When completed, the old building will be clad in a rust-colored panel, providing much needed distinction in the sea of green, while also calling subtle attention the use of the "historic" structure at the core of the new.  As hospital insiders are willing to admit, the look elicits a strong response, both positive and negative.  However, I think that much of the younger generation (those having babies right now, for instance) will be very impressed with the aesthetic.

The central atrium is definitely the highlight of the building.  Primary circulation through the building revolves around the atrium which provides welcome natural light to the waiting areas, provides visual connection between floors and departments, and gives the building a metropolitan feel.

Downside: With the building in-complete, the negatives may yet reveal themselves, but I only have one - so far.  The building's design and massing minimize the Main Entrance, which is tucked under the "East Tower" (shown in the photo).  Signage is small - you can hardly read the text from the street - and hard to find at the base of the (comparatively) massive building.  The remoteness of the main body of parking - on the west side of the complex - further mimizes the Main Entrance.  To make matters worse, a much more clearly defined entrance - intended only for rehab and therapy visitors - is located on the parking (west) end of the building.  Many first-time visitors will certainly be confused, but final signage for the facility - yet to be installed - could make up for much of this deficiency.

An important feature of the hospital which I find to be extraordinary: The original art collection throughout the building - which I understand is the brainchild of Phil Ennen, the hospital's CEO.  In summary, private donors make funds available for the purchase of original art from local artisans!  Painting, sculpture, photography, collage...no reproductions...most every art-form is represented and makes for an exquisite taste of our local artistic talent.  When the hospital is complete, and the art collection is more fully installed, I suggest that the hospital promote tours, and perhaps a guidebook, of the impressive array of contemporary artifacts from Northwest Ohio.

In summary, I am VERY proud to say that Williams County has a state-of-the-art medical facility on the way that looks GREAT!  I look forward to seeing the completed vision.  You should check it out!