With the grand opening scheduled for May 6, the new Northside Hospital Cherokee, visible from I-575 just south of Exit 19, is receiving the final touches. The replacement hospital will have more than double the square footage of the current facility and offer all existing services.
Along with cutting-edge technology and exceptional patient care, the hospital’s design pays special homage to the county’s unique landscape, heritage and community. The facility’s motif uses a deliberate mix of art, architecture and interior design to create a modern-yet-familiar atmosphere for patients and their families.
North Georgia’s remarkable economic growth and the natural vistas that make Cherokee one of the most beautiful places in the state became the foundation for the design of the replacement hospital, which sits on a 50-acre parcel.
“Our team adopted the theme Where Metro Meets the Mountains to embody the modern nature of the hospital, as well as the lakes, forests and mountains that surround it,” said Kris Kirchner, IIDA, ASID, Principal of K2J, Inc., the interior design firm for the project.
In keeping with this vision, mountainous elements such as stacked stone, terrazzo tile and earthen tones intermingle with sleek steel and expansive windows throughout the building. Themes of valleys, lakes, farmland and other concepts also are represented in separate departments to simplify way-finding for visitors. The Women’s Center, for example, uses grays, purples and jewel tones in the furniture and finishes to reflect its “mica” theme — a mineral prevalent in the Cherokee area. In the emergency, critical care and surgery departments, cool paint tones conjure a “lake” motif, also providing a soothing atmosphere for patients.
Coupled with the broad windows in each patient room, the hospital’s placement was specifically oriented so that patients and their families have open views of the Blue Ridge Mountains that etch the North Georgia horizon.
The artwork featured in the hospital reflects themes such as trails, summits, farms and lakes, and was created exclusively by Georgia artists and artisans. The galleria area of the main lobby includes a glass composition comprised of hundreds of blown-glass elements that visitors can experience from a variety of vantage points as they travel through the corridor. A rotating art exhibit will feature paintings and drawings from Cherokee County grade school students throughout the year.
Through a photography series called “Cherokee, A Place I Love,” Northside Hospital Cherokee staff submitted their favorite local landmarks. Photos of these places are displayed throughout the facility.
“For two decades, Northside Hospital Cherokee has grown to become both an integral part of the Northside Hospital family and this community,” said Billy Hayes, CEO of Northside Hospital Cherokee. “It was important that this new facility embody the spirit of the place we call home and the people we’re so fortunate to serve. I think we accomplished just that.”
Submitted by Northside Hospital
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