Skip to main content

New cardiovascular center implanted at U-M hospital

Date Posted: April 15 2005

ANN ARBOR - Cardiovascular disease kills more Americans than the next five leading causes of death combined - claiming the lives of 35,000 Michiganians every year - which is the nation's 8th worst coronary death rate.

The University of Michigan plans to do something about lowering that fatality rate with the construction of its new $199 million Cardiovascular Center (CVC). The 350,000 square-foot building is being constructed on six floors as well as two basement levels.

The CVC will include three ambulatory care clinics, non-invasive diagnostic and testing suites, five cardiac catheterization labs, five electrophysiology labs, eight operating rooms specializing in cardiac, vascular and radiology procedures, 20 intensive care beds and office space for clinical faculty and support staff.

Barton-Malow is leading the three-year construction project, which is expected to be complete in the fall of 2006.

"This facility will be a wonderful addition to our research and our services at the Medical Center," said U-M President Mary Sue Coleman. "Academic medical centers around the country are turning their focus to cardiovascular work in a new and intensive way, and this building will allow us to be at the leading edge of all that activity."

The building will be located just south of the Cancer & Geriatrics Center and the University Hospital, on the site of the "Old Main" hospital.

According to architect Shepley Bulfinch Richardson and Abbott, the new clinical building will enable more patients to receive coordinated care at a one-stop location by bringing together specialized services and facilities that are now located throughout the existing medical center.

Space and programs for patient and physician education are also included in the building. The facility was flexibly designed to accommodate changes in technology and procedures to ensure patients will receive the most up-to-date care.

The design will maximize the use of natural light and include a garden atrium and healing garden to create a place of tranquility for patients, families and visitors. The project also includes a 465-space parking deck.

WATERPROOFING the floor of a mechanical room at the new University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center are Roofers and Waterproofers Local 149 members Fred Huff and Jerry Osieczonek, working for D.C. Byers.
A PORTION OF THE exterior of the $199 million University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center.