When the new Lutheran Medical Center, part of Intermountain Health, in Wheat Ridge welcomes patients in 2024, it will be a sleek, energy-efficient "hospital of the future," outfitted with innovative technology. The new building will be an accessible and patient-centered facility, that will meet the current and future needs of a vibrant, diverse community.
Innovative design for patients — and caregivers
Construction on the new $650 million, six-story hospital began in June 2021, with completion expected in the summer of 2024. Located approximately 3.5 miles from the existing campus, the replacement hospital is being built at Clear Creek Crossing on a 26-acre parcel at I-70 and 40th Avenue. "The new Lutheran Medical Center is designed to deliver safe, quality care to patients more efficiently," said Kathie Repola, executive director of Lutheran Medical Center Foundation.
Every patient room is private, with a floor-to-ceiling glass wall providing natural light. "There is not a bad view out of any patient room," she said.
Using lessons learned from the COVID pandemic, patient rooms can be quickly converted into an ICU (Intensive Care Unit) room if needed.
Building on a legacy
Lutheran’s history is centered around excellence and service to its community. Founded as a tuberculosis sanitarium in 1905, Lutheran Medical Center is Jefferson County’s first hospital. Today, Lutheran operates one of the busiest emergency departments in Colorado, provides Jefferson County’s only labor and delivery program, and offers comprehensive stroke, neurosciences and behavioral health programs that prioritize the well-being of older adults.
As Wheat Ridge’s largest employer, the hospital continues to drive economic growth in Jefferson County, Repola said. “We contribute about $1.1 billion in annual economic impact.”
Once the replacement facility is open, Lutheran Medical Center will stop acute care hospital operations at its current site. Collier Hospice Center, a 24-bed standalone facility, will remain on the legacy campus. West Pines Behavioral Health will occupy a new hospital to be built in the North Metro area through a partnership between Intermountain Health and Acadia Healthcare.
Giving to the whole community
To support the funding needed for some of the hospital’s specialty programs, Lutheran Medical Center’s Foundation launched “The Legacy Continues Campaign.” A major gift of $3.1 million from the Community First Foundation has advanced the success of the Campaign, which has reached nearly 70 percent of its five-year fundraising goal of $12 million to support the replacement hospital.
Former Wheat Ridge council member Zach Urban and Jennifer Caskey, MD, a retired oncologist who practiced at Lutheran for 35 years, co-chair the campaign.
"I'm not one to go out and ask people for money," Dr. Caskey said. "But I can lead by example, and if my gift inspires others to support Lutheran and our commitment to this community, that's a bonus."
Urban hailed the move as good for the hospital and the region.
“The impact Lutheran has on the greater Denver area — both from a care perspective and from an employer perspective — is vital to the health of our community,” Urban said.
Learn more about how you can support the new Lutheran Medical Center at TheLutheranLegacy.org.
