The new Riley Children’s Health Maternity Tower centralizes all inpatient childbirth and newborn care offered at three Indiana University Health hospitals in downtown Indianapolis. Riley now houses the largest number of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) beds in Indiana and among the largest in the country.

Families who had previously visited the Riley Hospital for Children facility might not recognize the healthcare provider’s newly renovated tower, the “phase three” building of a five-phase campus, to expand and modernize health services for mothers and their newborn babies.

When visitors enter the first-floor lobby, they are surrounded by bright, naturally lit and modernized spaces, public and more private waiting areas, open spaces, and a grand view of the original front façade of Riley Hospital for Children that adorns the west wall of the atrium. Two round, all-glass elevators greet visitors, inviting them to see all the way up the building.

Designing a comprehensive, cohesive medical tower that meets the needs of staff, their patients, and families for years to come in the heart of downtown Indianapolis was BSA’s mission, all as the campus continued operating 24/7. The new Tower achieves Indiana University Health’s goal of improving the health of its patients and community through innovation and excellence in care, education, research, and service.

Project category: Remodel/renovation

Chief administrator: Gil Peri, president, Riley Children’s Health

Firm: BSA LifeStructures, bsalifestructures.com

Design team: BSA LifeStructures (architecture, MEP engineering, interior design, operations planning); Messer Construction (construction manager); JPS Consulting Engineers (civil and structural engineer); North Mechanical (plumbing contractor); Ermco (electrical contractor); Bright Sheet Metal (HVAC contractor)

Total building area (sq. ft.): 175,600

Construction cost/sq. ft.: $512

Total construction cost (excluding land): $90 million

Completed: November 2021