Building on Excellence
Oakwood continues to make progress towards the creation of a new skilled nursing building on its University Woods campus, with construction tentatively scheduled for late summer or early fall, pending final City approval.
This project, which will take the place of the aging Hebron Oaks building, offers a number of benefits to the residents of Oakwood Village University Woods and further establish Oakwood as the provider of choice for those in the community seeking short-term rehabilitation services.
The need for a new skilled nursing and rehabilitation center is being driven by the age of Hebron Oaks; the building was constructed in the 1960s, with wings added on in the 70s and 80s. A new building will complement the outstanding care provided by Oakwood and will create a modern, attractive environment for those receiving and providing care.
The new building will be located on the southwest side of the University Woods campus, and will be constructed on land acquired by Oakwood within the past five years specifically for the purpose of campus redevelopment. The project will be up to four stories high and will connect to campus indoors through the first floor of Covenant Oaks, where Oakwood’s finance offices are currently located.
Plans call for a number of enhancements to the rehabilitation experience at Oakwood. Resident suites will be all private and nearly double the size of current Hebron Oaks suites, averaging approximately 465 square feet. Suites will consist of spacious bathrooms, a dedicated bedroom, as well as a living area, in order to better accommodate resident family and guests. Large windows will showcase trees and water-retention ponds and should enhance the healing process for those recovering from surgery or a health incident. Green roofs, common outdoor patio areas and beautiful landscaping will add to the aesthetics.
The first floor of the building will feature a spacious physical, occupational and speech therapy gym, which will lead to an outdoor courtyard. When the weather accommodates, use of the outdoor courtyard will be a component of therapy programming.
First floor plans also call for a meditation room that will offer patients and their families an opportunity for peace and tranquility, a spa, and a bistro and dining area for
skilled nursing residents and campus employees.
While the large resident suites, modern therapy gym and additional amenities will make for a first-class rehabilitation setting, the new building will also help Oakwood address important service gaps on the University Woods campus.
A number of suites will be designed to serve the bariatric population and will be even larger than the standard suites in order to accommodate lifts and other equipment.
Oakwood is also planning on creating a palliative care wing and will offer dedicated programming and care to ensure Oakwood residents and other members of the community receive appropriate and compassionate support at the end of life.
Once the new building opens, Hebron Oaks will be taken down with the exception of the Resurrection Chapel, which will remain along with its connection to Heritage Oaks. The Oakwood Pharmacy will be relocated to the new connection on the first floor of Covenant Oaks and a new central kitchen will be included on the lower level of the new project. While these spaces may be considered “behind the scenes” for most residents and families, including both in this project allows University Woods to address significant
space limitations and logistical challenges the current location presents to both functions.
Design of the project continues to progress, and is being coordinated by Oakwood’s Senior Director of Facility Services Dave Bertsch. Eppstein Uhen Architects (EUA) is leading the building design, and Vogel Bros. Building Co. is the general contractor for
the project.
The design team heads to Madison’s Urban Design Commission in May for approval, and then for approval from the City of Madison this summer to begin work. The new skilled nursing and rehabilitation center is scheduled to open in late 2022.
Construction of this project will allow the organization to address a significant campus need and, paired with the Prairie Ridge Health and Rehabilitation Center which opened in 2008, position Oakwood to be a Madison leader in short-term rehabilitation services. We’ll continue to provide updates as construction moves ahead on this important project.
Please note: this project is still in the design phase and these images are subject to change. Rendering provided by Eppstein Uhen Architects.
