Completed in October 2024 after two years of construction, this facility was the result of St. Jude’s collaboration with international organizations to create a prototype that can be replicated anywhere in the world.

The expansive site features dramatic topography, with nearly a 30-ft grade change. To address this, the design team carefully placed all nine buildings around a central garden in the shape of a compass, with the idea of giving patients a north star for their recovery into the real world.

Photo courtesy Whiting-Turner

Cost escalations and budget constraints added another layer of complexity, pushing the project team to move away from a wooden structural superstructure to a preengineered metal building system.

This strategic pivot retained the design intent while achieving substantial cost savings and streamlining the construction timeline. In parallel, the campus’ overall footprint was thoughtfully reduced, which not only minimized the grading and site development costs but also enhanced functionality and cohesion.

As part of a comprehensive safety strategy, the entire walled campus was circled by an additional 8-ft-high security fence equipped with surveillance cameras, ensuring the safety of residents and deterring unauthorized access.

In order to ensure a seamless border with the site’s northern neighbor, the team strategically positioned buildings to minimize visual impact, refurbished the existing perimeter wall and incorporated lush landscaping to create a visually appealing buffer.