Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM) and Barnes Jewish Hospital (BJH) have embarked on a major transformation with an ambulatory cancer center that brings patients to a new location for full-service treatment, with the key aspirational goal of placing patient and family first. This nine-story center will continue to further WUSM’s mission of advancing the field of cancer care through education, research, and the development of new technology, while supporting a thriving cancer care practice.

The new cancer center includes:

• five clinical floors, two of which are shell space for future clinical and administrative growth;
• three levels of parking to accommodate patients and visitors;
• an elevated pedestrian link connecting to the Washington University Medical Campus; and
• a mechanical penthouse.

The ground floor welcomes the community and includes a café, boutique, retail pharmacy and patient amenity space, and the lower level is designed to provide non-clinical support. This facility will serve patients with a robust, multi-specialty clinical program, infusion and radiology departments, a pharmacy, and a laboratory.

Clinical research will be omnipresent in the building, and these spaces will be designed with flexibility in mind. One feature of this flexibility is a “universal exam” design, sized to accommodate clinical teams, patients and families, and clinical researchers. They’re supported by team rooms, multi-purpose consult rooms, and conference spaces.

Landscaped terraces adjacent to the patient and family waiting area and the infusion suite will serve as respite destinations for patients, families, and staff.

The design and development of this new Cancer Center demonstrates WUSM and BJH’s ambitious and forward-thinking goals in cancer care, patient care, and research, and its position as a leader in cancer treatment and research around the world. The center is expected to open for occupancy in May, 2024.