Saint Francis Healthcare System
Healthcare
Location
Tulsa, OK
Size
12,250 SQ FT
Specialty
Food Service
The space now has a clear entrance and multiple exits with walk-in coolers and storage at strategic locations to reduce cross traffic. A modern glazing system replaced the old, injecting much needed daylight into the space. White coffered ceiling tiles allow for maintenance access while brightening and adding architectural detail. Columns were clad depending on location and function. Glazed brick, glass tile and solid surfacing all give texture while maintaining durability. Food stations were revived with LED lighting suited for back-of-house tasks and highlighting entrees. Tile and LVT floors were replaced with terrazzo. Equipment upgrades like the freestanding pizza oven and custom thermofoil cabinetry elevate both the food and the ambiance.
Collaborators
Nourishing the Community
As one of the largest hospitals in Tulsa, Saint Francis Hospital serves over 2200 meals a day. These meals feed patients, but also their caregivers. The impetus behind the renovation was ensuring that the physical environment echoed the facility’s mentality of nourishing the community.
Located at the intersection of the original hospital footprint and a later addition, the project was fraught with challenging expansion joints, odd column sizing as well as decades of conduit and piping. The previous space felt dark, dingy and cluttered. Perforated metal tiles on low ceilings were an eyesore. A window bay straight out of an old fast food restaurant was the extent of natural light. Additionally, the u-shaped flow congested the cafeteria during peak hours for both guests picking up a meal and kitchen staff replenishing inventory.
nourishment of the soul
A newly installed large graphic reads, “The nourishment of the body is food. The nourishment of the soul is feeding others.” This quote reflects the sentiments we encountered from months of dialog with the food service director, managers, linecooks and servers. It became very apparent their team did not just serve meals, but embraced each guest’s individual needs. The point of mentioning this is that the renovated space needed to feel like a welcoming piece of homemade hospitality. From the built-in banquettes to the original artwork, the cafeteria is bright and enthusiastically open for guests. The goal was to showcase the freshness of the ingredients and the variety of the offerings in an atmosphere that was a respite to the day’s trials. There has been an increase in sales and visitors regularly compliment the staff on the space. The renewed sense of pride is palpable. We are thankful to have been part of transformation and reaffirmation.
