MUSC Jenkins Children’s Hospital / Tourville Women’s Pavilion
Pioneering healthcare design for generations of families.
Project Facts
| Location | Charleston, South Carolina |
| Owner | Medical University of South Carolina |
| Size | 628,000 SF |
| Cost | $250 million |
| Status | Completed 2019 |
| Capacity | 11 floors, 200 beds |
Overview
As the Medical University of South Carolina’s (MUSC) previous facility aged, administrators collaborated with physicians and patients to envision a new, state-of-the-art hospital. Located in an area vulnerable to tropical storms and seismic activity, the structure had to withstand extreme environmental loads and remain operational. The new facility integrates pediatric and obstetrical care with advanced technological features and future-ready design.
Services
Challenges
Disaster Resilience
Charleston’s exposure to earthquakes and tropical storms demanded a structural system that could endure extreme environment conditions and maintain full hospital functionality.
Performance and Flexibility
The structural system had to support a diverse range of healthcare functions. It also needed to be flexible enough for alterations or expansions to accommodate future changes in the healthcare industry.
Budget Efficiency
With more than half the funding sourced from individual donors, the project had to balance cost-conscious decisions with uncompromising safety and quality.
Solutions
Engineering Possibilities
We evaluated 192 loading combinations to optimize each design component. The final system—combining a buckling-restrained braced frame with a special moment frame—ensures durability for at least 75 years.
Designing for the Future
After consulting with equipment stakeholders and the owner, we selected 30-by-30-foot bays and enhanced floor loading capacity. These choices allow for easy repurposing and future expansion.
Collaborative Cost Savings
To offset the initial cost of seismic and storm resistance, we worked closely with the steel fabricator and building envelope contractor. This collaboration significantly reduced steel usage and saved $500,000, which we reinvested into other design priorities.
Results
Innovation That Delivers
This hybrid structural system, the first of its kind east of Salt Lake City, enables uninterrupted healthcare operations delivery during natural disasters.
Unmatched Healthcare
The facility houses South Carolina’s largest neonatal intensive care unit and affords women and children the most advanced medical care experience available.
On Time, On Budget
Strategic savings and design efficiencies ensured the project met its timeline and financial goals without compromising quality.
Project Team Leaders
