SPOTLIGHT
Introduction of the Spotlight Video Series
Welcome to the inaugural Spotlight Video Series for the Harris Health - LBJ Expansion Project. This first series will spotlight Whitney Fuessel- the Principal in Charge and Regional Practice Director at HKS here in the Houston office.
Before we get started, come with us on a highlight of our background journey. Harris Health’s commitment to the Community is evident from the onset of the new Hospital Expansion Project and prior to the first shovel being placed in the ground.
In 2022 they assembled the team of industry best; HKS Architects working with local architectural firms; Smith & Company and Collaborate alongside of PPG Global to ensure that the voices of the community were not only heard but became part of the Design of the new hospital.
Throughout a 18 month process of gaining community sentiment and ideas, we were able to identify 21 Essential Community Recommendations. This information originated from bringing the design team and project leaders together. We create first-hand experiences with the community, from neighborhood focus group meetings and bus tours touching the people, learning the history, experiencing the artwork, the music, the food, to understanding the neighborhood places that defined “their familiar”.
Through design integration, HKS is building and connecting with the culture and sentiment of the community, which are uniquely important for increasing the access to quality healthcare.
This level of intentionality received HKS recognition from The Center for Health Design with the covenant Touchstone 2025 Gold Award – this is the highest award given to hospitals before they are built. Fewer than 50 hospitals globally have received this recognition.
The new Hospital Expansion Project is unlike any other, it goes Beyond the Hospital walls, by encouraging community ownership and creating opportunities to impact workforce growth and economic development of the surrounding neighborhoods. It will also house the first Sheila Jackson Lee Center for Accelerating Health Outcomes.
Building Trust was evident with the Harris Health 2.5B Bond passing at 72% favorable, it underscores the importance of continuing our communication to keep the community informed.
This series is another way of our commitment to ongoing and transparent communication. On May 9, 2023, Harris Health officially broke ground on the project and construction is well underway. They are preparing for early 2029, when they will open the doors to its first, Trauma Level One Hospital in Northeast Houston and outside of the Texas Medical Center. Standby for more exciting updates!
Now, let’s kick off our inaugural interview series with the Spotlight on Whitney Fuessel of HKS!
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