The Florida Coast Medical Center in Port St. Lucie was envisioned as a contemporary, patient-centered facility that embodies Tenet Healthcare’s mission to deliver the right care in the right place at the right time. As one of the fastest-growing communities, Port St. Lucie required a healthcare facility that could meet increasing demand while offering a high standard of care.
The new 181,242-square-foot hospital includes 54 acute care beds and a full range of services including emergency care, neurosciences, orthopedics, cardiac care, robotic surgery and outpatient diagnostics. The facility also features an on-site medical office building (MOB) to streamline access to physician and outpatient services. The MOB is connected to the main hospital via an open-air covered connector. The campus has also been master planned to allow for an additional ambulatory (or outpatient) building to be located on the site.
Designing for Community + Resiliency
Building in Port St. Lucie came with unique ecological and environmental challenges. The site was home to protected gopher tortoises, requiring a full survey and relocation of each turtle to a sanctuary before construction began. Located in an area prone to hurricanes, flooding, and heavy traffic from a nearby highway, the design team carefully integrated resiliency strategies. All major mechanical systems were placed within the building’s footprint to protect against storm damage and prolong their lifespan.
Close collaboration with city officials, local civil engineers, and land developers was critical to navigating strict local codes while maintaining a compact, efficient design. The result is a facility that not only meets today’s healthcare demands but is prepared to serve the community well into the future.
The hospital’s design takes inspiration from its coastal setting. A curved main lobby reminiscent of the nearby shoreline anchors the experience of the building. Two stories of glass flood the space with natural light, creating an uplifting atmosphere from the moment visitors arrive. A second-floor family lounge overlooks the lobby below, offering a sense of connection and orientation within the building. Full-height windows in the second-floor family lounge offer views into the lobby below, enhancing spatial orientation and visual connectivity for intuitive wayfinding. The layout of the second floor posed a challenge in maintaining clear sightlines into patient rooms, which was resolved through the strategic placement of large nurse stations at each end of the corridor. These stations not only support staff efficiency but also serve as visual anchors for visitors navigating the space.
Interiors that Heal
Inside, the design focuses on simplicity, calm and comfort. Neutral, coastal-inspired colors, soft greens and blues paired with warm-toned flooring create a serene backdrop for healing. A custom reception desk with an organic form greets visitors, while pendant lights add sparkle and warmth. Large-scale imagery of Florida’s natural landscapes and curved terrazzo flooring echo the architecture’s coastal form, reinforcing a sense of flow and connection.
Patient rooms and public spaces are filled with daylight through large windows, bringing nature indoors and reducing visual clutter. Wood-like finishes and durable, cost-effective materials provide warmth while supporting long-term maintenance.
With its efficient footprint, forward-looking campus plan, and design rooted in resiliency, Florida Coast Medical Center embodies the balance of beauty, function and responsibility. It stands as a bright, modern, and welcoming hub for healthcare, reflecting both the spirit of coastal Florida and the strength of a community prepared for the future.
Photos: ©Jeremiah Hull
