Good Samaritan Hospital Tower, 1033 East McDowell Road, Phoenix

Source document Quoted word for word from HABS AZ-235. Not written, edited or summarised by this site.

East McDowell Road, Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona The building is located in the Banner University Medical Center campus south of McDowell Road at Street. The building is located at latitude: longitude: This point was obtained on January 20, using Google Earth There is no restriction on its release to the public. Present Owner/ Occupant: Banner University Medical Center East McDowell Road Phoenix, Arizona

Source document Quoted word for word from HABS AZ-235. Not written, edited or summarised by this site.

The Good Samaritan Hospital Tower is significant as a major work of the mid-century modern architect Bertrand Goldberg The building is a noteworthy example of modern architecture s use of structural concrete as a means to express the spatial and visual qualities of the building. The Tower design was also a response to rapid changes in the medical profession beginning in the as patient rooms transitioned from larger multiperson wards to private rooms1.

The tower was the centerpiece of the Good Samaritan Hospital Community Development Master Plan for the development of 14 acres of land adjacent to Good Samaritan Hospital reflected the holistic approach to urban planning espoused by Goldberg as a means to combat the short comings of the urban renewal efforts across America in the previous three decades.2 The original design included offices, housing, a hotel, and multiple health care service buildings although only the hospital tower, the 1 Lucking, Maura. The Goldberg Variations: On Bertrand Goldberg: Architecture of Invention. Design Issues, vol. 28, no. 2, pp. doi: 10.1162/desi_r_00146 2 Goldberg, Bertrand, Archive, Ryerson and Burnham Art and Architecture Archive, Art Institute of Chicago, GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL TOWER HABS No.

AZ-235 (Page 2) Metro Plaza Office Building, and some smaller ancillary service buildings were realized. From Goldberg s early work in the to his last hospital commission in his work remained at the forefront of the continued evolution of patient focused design and his use of dramatic architectural forms rendered in concrete.

Source document Quoted word for word from HABS AZ-235. Not written, edited or summarised by this site.

This HABS report is funded by Banner Health. It is written and researched by DLR Group with HABS photography by Stephen D. Schafer and review by the City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Office. Part I. Historical Information A. Physical History 1. Date of erection: 2. Architect: Goldberg, Bertrand - Bertrand Goldberg was a Chicago native born in His formal academic training included attending Harvard University of Boston and The Bauhaus in Germany. He briefly worked in the office of Mies van der Rohe before having to flee to Paris in due to political unrest. In he returned to Chicago and opened his architectural firm, Bertrand Goldberg Associates. Goldberg did considerable work for the U.S. government during World War II.

His keen understanding of industrial design was evident in a series of designs for prefabricated housing units, automotive boxcars, and even a mobile vaccine laboratory.3 His innovative approach to engineering and design was often compared to that of Buckminster Fuller who was a colleague and a friend. Goldberg s early work focused on industrial design and smaller scale residential projects. By the his focus shifted to larger commissions with a variety of office buildings, residential developments, civic projects, and medical facilities. In Chicago s Marina City, a mixed-use complex, was completed and placed Goldberg at the forefront of the public discourse on urban planning and architecture.

At the same time Goldberg was working with several hospital commissions that looked at reorganizing the traditional approach to medical care by focusing on the spatial relationship between patient rooms and a service core. 3 Bertrand Goldberg. Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 14 Oct. Goldberg GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL TOWER HABS No. AZ-235 (Page 3) Throughout the and the office of Bertrand Goldberg Associates experienced tremendous growth to over 100 employees.

The firm was at the forefront of the innovative use of computer and engineering technologies, allowing them to complete a consistent flow of major commissions through Bertrand Goldberg was the recipient of numerous national and international awards as well as public exhibitions of his work that recognized how his innovative approach to design technology could offer solutions to a host of architectural and urban planning challenges. Bertrand Goldberg died in Chicago in at the age of 3. Original and subsequent owners, occupants, and uses: The building was originally commissioned by Samaritan Health Services, Inc., as a patient medical tower. Non-profit organizations Samaritan Health Services and Lutheran Health System merged in creating Banner Health as the current owner. 4.

Builder, contractor, suppliers: The building contractor was Huber, Hunt, and Nichols, Inc. 5. Original plans and construction: A partial set of the original construction documents was available from the Banner University Medical Center. Available documents included all architectural floor plans but noticeably absent were building sections and elevations. The current condition of the exterior of the building are nearly identical to the original plans. Where variation is evident is the interior partitions of spaces especially in areas where the original doors have been replaced with modern doors to allow for larger gurneys and life safety improvements. These changes are generally minor with the overall room and circulation layouts still reflecting the original plans.

Construction documents also illustrate that the original millwork has been replaced as changes in medical technology have progressed. 6. Alterations and additions: The building has experienced no major exterior additions or alterations. Minor exterior alterations consist of changes to the original landscaping and the addition of a few small oval windows to the bridges that connect the tower to the surrounding medical campus buildings. Interior alterations consist of periodic updating of finishes, millwork, doors, and elevators. Interior alterations have not had a major impact on the building s overall organization or architectural character. B.

Historical Context The Good Samaritan Hospital Tower was designed during a period of rapid change for the medical profession beginning in the as patient rooms transitioned from larger multiperson wards to private rooms, the need for new organizational systems to better serve patients was required.5 At the same time, the modernist architectural approach of utilizing 4 Bertrand Goldberg. The Art Institute of Chicago, 5 Lucking, Maura. The Goldberg Variations: On Bertrand Goldberg: Architecture of Invention. Design Issues, vol. 28, no. 2, pp. doi: 10.1162/desi_r_00146. GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL TOWER HABS No. AZ-235 (Page 4) reinforced concrete both structurally and sculpturally was evident in projects across the architectural spectrum.

Bertrand Goldberg and Associates undertaking of the Good Samaritan Hospital Community Development Master Plan for the development of 14 acres of land adjacent to Good Samaritan Hospital reflected the holistic approach to urban planning espoused by Goldberg as a means to combat the short comings of the urban renewal efforts across America in the previous three decades.6 The original design included offices, housing, a hotel, and multiple health care service buildings although only the hospital tower, the Metro Plaza Office Building, and some smaller ancillary service buildings were realized. It is in this context that Bertrand Goldberg s work was at the forefront of hospital planning and design.

From Goldberg s early work in the to his last hospital commission in his work showed the continued evolution of patient focused space planning influencing dramatic architectural forms. Part II. Architectural Information A. General Statement Immediately recognizable by its use of smooth undulating concrete exterior surfaces and oval windows, the Good Samaritan Hospital tower presents a modernist styled symmetrical fa ade unlike anything else seen in Phoenix. Its four hubs are arranged in a quatrefoil configuration and present a monumental building form that reflects the planning principles used to organize its interior.

Devoid of traditional architectural ornament, the sculptural form of the tower juts up from the ground with only two sections of connecting bridges to visually tie it to the more traditional rectilinear buildings of the surrounding campus. 1. Architectural Character: The Good Samaritan Hospital tower is an excellent example of Bertrand Goldberg s ability to move beyond the traditional static architecture of post and beam construction. What many would call a futuristic design is actually grounded in carefully thought out space planning and engineering considerations, an example being the rounded openings for windows and doors that minimizes stress and cracking in the curved precast structural wall system.

The tower s carefully planned interior minimizes distance between patients and staff while it informs the design of the exterior s unique undulating walls. The building is a distinct architectural achievement in Phoenix and its brutalist, muscular style is striking by any standard. 2. Condition of fabric: The exterior concrete skin of the tower is in good condition with minimal apparent cracking or damage observed. The interior of the tower has been constantly updated and refreshed with new materials and finishes as wear 6 Goldberg, Bertrand, Archive, Ryerson and Burnham Art and Architecture Archive, Art Institute of Chicago, GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL TOWER HABS No. AZ-235 (Page 5) becomes evident.

With the exception of windows, stairwells, and concrete surfaces, very few original finishes remain on the interior of the building. B. Description of Exterior 1. Overall dimensions: 276 x 276 , 12 stories tall plus a roof penthouse and basement level. 2. Foundations: Reinforced concrete, fully below grade. 3. Walls: Reinforced concrete at exterior tower walls with a metal panels over a steel frame system at connecting bridges. 4. Structural System: Reinforced concrete. 5. Openings a. Doors: Arched Aluminum framed, 8 -6 x 4 -6 b. Windows: Aluminum framed ovals, 6 -6 x 4 -6 6. Roof: Flat membrane roof over concrete deck. C. Description of Interior 1. Floor plans: The typical floor plan consists of four hubs arranged in a quatrefoil configuration around a central service core.

Fifteen patient rooms populate each of the four hubs and are organized around nursing stations that have visibility to all the patient rooms from their central locations. While minor alterations to each floor have been made to support the specific medical requirements, the first through twelfth floors are generally similar in planning. The basement floor is a major departure for this plan as a majority of the floor is occupied by the cafeteria, its associated kitchens, and building support spaces. 2. Stairways: The tower is served by four identical fire stairs with utilitarian concrete finishes and basic metal handrails. 3. Flooring: Floors are typically concrete covered with an easily cleanable vinyl-type sheet product in a variety of colors and patterns. 4.

Walls and ceiling finish: A variety of masonry and metal stud partitions are faced with gypsum board in the interior. Ceilings are generally acoustic ceiling tile (ACT) or gypsum board soffits. Finishes are generally paint with the use of a variety of wall covering products in some areas. The original painted metal panels remain visible at some locations of the connector bridge while the majority of the corridor GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL TOWER HABS No. AZ-235 (Page 6) spaces passing through the connectors have been covered with gypsum board soffits. 5. Doorways and doors: A wide variety of door types are present with doors for patient rooms having been replaced with contemporary doors and hardware specialized for access needs. 6.

Windows: Aluminum framed fixed interior windows are utilized for viewing in and out of patient spaces at multiple locations throughout the tower. 7. Decorative features: The building s modernist style does not lend itself to traditional architectural decorative elements such as molding and trim. Transitions between colors and material are kept simple for both aesthetics and maintenance needs. Floor base is utilitarian as are doors and frames. 8. Building Systems: The tower s nine elevators are split into an east and a west elevator bank. All elevator finishes, lights, and controls have been updated. The tower s HVAC system consists of twenty air handlers driven by the campus chilled water loop.

The original HVAC system is still in place with the exception of minor updates to motors and fans. The tower s electrical needs are covered by the two 3,000-amp service, also a part of the original construction. D. Site 1. Historic landscape design: The original landscaping materials and design have been updated or reconfigured except for a series of six round concrete tree planters that remain from the original design on the southeast portion of the building perimeter. Details of the original landscape materials and plantings were not available. 2. Outbuildings: The tower is surrounded on three sides by lower campus structures, some of which were constructed as part of the overall tower project while other occurred within subsequent phases of construction.

Much of this work is attributed to the Associated Samaritan Architects and not attributed directly to Bertrand Goldberg. Part III. Sources of Information A. Architectural drawings: Drawing A-201, Basement Level Drawing A-210, Tower Level 1 Drawing A-215, Tower Level 2 Drawing A-220, Tower Level 3 Drawing A-224, Tower Level 4 GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL TOWER HABS No. AZ-235 (Page 7) Drawing A-229, Tower Level 5 Drawing A-230, Tower Level 6 Drawing A-231, Tower Level 7 Drawing A-232, Tower Level 8 Drawing A-233, Tower Level 9 Drawing A-234, Tower Level 10 Drawing A-235, Tower Level 11 Drawing A-236, Tower Level 12 Drawing A-237, Tower Level Roof All drawings were provided electronically by Banner University Medical Center. B. Selected

Source document Quoted word for word from HABS AZ-235. Not written, edited or summarised by this site.

Archival Collections. The Art Institute of Chicago, Bertrand Goldberg. The Art Institute of Chicago, Bertrand Goldberg. Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 14 Oct. Goldberg. Goldberg, Bertrand, Archive, Ryerson and Burnham Art and Architecture Archive, Art Institute of Chicago, digital- Goldberg, Bertrand, et al. Bertrand Goldberg: Architecture of Invention. Art Institute of Chicago, Goldberg, Bertrand, et al. Bertrand Goldberg Collection: Finding Aid. Art Institute of Chicago, Dept. of Architecture and Design, Goldberg, Geoffrey. Bertrand Goldberg. Bertrand Goldberg | Chicago Architect, bertrandgoldberg.org/. Lucking, Maura. The Goldberg Variation: On Bertrand Goldberg: Architecture of Invention. Design Issues, vol. 28, no. 2, pp. 85 doi:10.1162/desi_r_00146. Reed, David A.

Come Visit the New Good Samaritan Medical Center. The Arizona Republic, 6 Jan. pp. 1 16. C. Likely Sources Not Yet Investigated: Additional nondigitized archives will be available for in person research in the Bertrand Goldberg Collection at the Art Institute of Chicago once the collection is reopened to the public after the removal of Covid-19 restrictions. GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL TOWER HABS No. AZ-235 (Page 8) D. Supplemental Materials: Architectural drawings and photography follow: GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL TOWER HABS No. AZ-235 (Page 9) Early rendering of Good Samaritan Hospital Tower, Source: Bertrand Goldberg Collection, Art Institute of Chicago. GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL TOWER HABS No.

AZ-235 (Page 10) Good Samaritan Hospital Tower Elevation and Section, Source: Bertrand Goldberg Collection, Art Institute of Chicago. GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL TOWER HABS No. AZ-235 (Page 11) Construction photo,1978. Source: Banner History Wall Archives. Construction photo Source: Ryerson and Burnham Archival Image Collection, Art Institute of Chicago. GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL TOWER HABS No. AZ-235 (Page 12) Metro Plaza Office Building, Phoenix, AZ. Exterior view, The Good Samaritan Hospital Community Development Master Plan completed by Bertrand Goldberg and Associates planned the development of 14 acres of land adjacent to Good Samaritan Hospital.

The original design included offices, housing, a hotel, and multiple health care service buildings but only the Good Samaritan Hospital Tower, Metro Plaza Office Building, and some ancillary service buildings were realized. Source: Ryerson and Burnham Archival Image Collection, Art Institute of Chicago.