Franklin Foundation Hospital has introduced a transformative addition to its campus - the Franklin Wellness Center, a state-of-the-art, 60,000-square-foot facility designed to integrate physical and behavioral health services under one roof. As the first of its kind in the parish, the center offers a holistic approach to wellness, setting a new benchmark for comprehensive healthcare.
Expected to serve 20,000 patients annually, the Wellness Center enhances community health by combining cutting-edge medical services with accessible fitness and rehabilitation amenities. Among its standout features is a modern fitness center open to the public at affordable rates. The facility includes an indoor walking track, specialized exercise studios for cycling and mind-body wellness, a spacious group exercise room, and an impressive aquatics area spanning 9,550 square feet.
More than just a healthcare facility, the Franklin Wellness Center is an investment in the community’s long-term well-being. By integrating medical care with fitness and education, the center promotes preventative health initiatives and empowers residents to take proactive steps toward a healthier lifestyle.
DESIGN CHALLENGE
The primary challenge was the project's remote location, situated nearly two hours outside of New Orleans, as well as the pandemic-overshadowed construction timeline. This posed logistical challenges for the contracting team as well as the design team due to the frequent need to adapt and weight the availability of equipment and chemicals as basis of design for the facility.