Vacant Kmart Converted Into A Primary Care Clinic

A former Kmart, vacant since 2014 underwent a 86,000-square-foot renovation to become a new primary care clinic. Gundersen Health System’s Winona Campus, Minnesota, is fully open!

Facility Offerings

The new primary care facility offers:

• Infusion Services
• Urgent Care
• Lab
• Family and Internal Medicine
• Pediatrics
• Women’s Health
• Imaging Services
• Physical and Occupational Therapy
• Eye Clinic

Project Team

Designed by HSR Associates and built by Kraus-Anderson

HSR Associates States:

“HSR is providing architectural and engineering design services for the Gundersen Health Winona Campus and Outpatient Surgery Center in Winona, MN. The 86,000 SF facility will utilize the footprint and site of a former big box retail building. By following the system’s patient care motto, we were able to maximize patient flow and departmental adjacencies in the large expanse of the existing structure as well as adhere to Gundersen’s brand, aesthetic and energy goals. (source)

Design Challenges

In general, renovating a vacant retail space into a healthcare clinic is challenging. Significant infrastructure upgrades are required because retail stores are not designed with the electrical and mechanical systems necessary for healthcare equipment.

The Kraus-Anderson Solution

As part of the renovation, Kraus-Anderson incorporated advanced 3D laser scanning to capture existing structural conditions and to provide a means to coordinate mechanical and electrical installation. (source)

Gundersen Winona Campus Virtual Tour

Healthcare Trend – Strip Mall Clinics

Today, many hospitals are working to establish outpatient clinics in highly visible areas—such as retail strip malls similar to the abandoned Kmart referenced above. The new locations better serve suburban communities because they bring healthcare services close to patients’ homes and allow easy access to public and private transportation. We can expect to see more of these in the future.

Marie Wikoff is the creator of Wikoff Design Studio based out of Reno, Nevada. Her expertise in healthcare design has helped modernize healthcare organizations locally, regionally, and internationally, improving patient experience and outcomes. Her credentials include Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification (EDAC), American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designer (CHID), the National Council of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) and LEED AP. Contact Marie Wikoff

Sources:

“Gundersen Winona Campus.” Gundersen Health System, 2020, www.gundersenhealth.org/locations/medical-clinics/winona-campus/.

“Gundersen Health System – Winona Campus.” HSR Associates, 15 Oct. 2019, www.hsrassociates.com/portfolio/gundersen-health-system-winona-clinic/.

“Former Kmart in Minnesota Community Converted to Primary Care Clinic.” REJournals, 7 May 2020, rejournals.com/former-kmart-in-minnesota-community-converted-to-primary-care-clinic/.

“Home: Kraus-Anderson.” Kraus, 2020, www.krausanderson.com/.

Tracey Walker, Managing Editor. “News.” HCD Magazine Minnesota Clinic Opens In Former Kmart Store Comments, Oct. 2020, www.healthcaredesignmagazine.com/news/minnesota-clinic-opens-in-former-kmart-store/.