Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital is a new 262,114-square-foot freestanding pediatric hospital in Tacoma, Washington, expanding access to acute and specialty care for children across the Pacific Northwest. After more than 30 years of sharing space with MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital, the six-story facility brings high-acuity services, specialty care and family support into a connected, purpose-built pediatric environment designed to support the full continuum of care.
As Washington’s only Level I pediatric trauma center, the hospital provides coordinated, family-centered care in an environment shaped by Lean principles and a research-backed, human-centered design approach. Clinical planning consolidates pediatric specialties within one city block, reducing travel, visit frequency and stress for families while improving operational efficiency and collaboration among care teams.
The hospital features 82 licensed inpatient beds, a 29-exam-room emergency department, four behavioral health reduced-risk rooms, eight operating rooms, an integrated hybrid catheterization/interventional radiology suite, three play and activity rooms, the hospital’s first therapy gym, an outdoor healing garden and a rooftop helipad. Flexible, team-based care environments are complemented by child-centered interiors inspired by the Pacific Northwest, incorporating natural daylight, organic forms, vibrant colors and graphics to promote comfort, healing and intuitive wayfinding.
Designed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the project was delivered through an integrated project delivery (IPD) approach using entirely virtual collaboration throughout design. Digital coordination, pull planning and a highly collaborative process supported informed decision-making, helping deliver a resilient, efficient facility that will serve children and families for generations.
Photos: ©Jeremiah Hull
