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Southern Colorado Ronald McDonald House

Colorado Springs, Colorado

"The entire team at RTA has been amazing to work with. THANK YOU for your dedication and commitment to designing our new Ronald McDonald House.”

Beth Alessio, Executive Director, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado

Why

Connecting through experience of place.

The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado (RMHC SC) serves families of critically ill children across southern Colorado and beyond. Due to the rapid growth of the Colorado Springs community, local healthcare systems are rapidly expanding NICU and pedatric services.RMHC SC acquired land within the campus of the new Children’s Hospital to construct a new larger House to keep families as close as possible during their child's medical treatment.

How

Ever curious. Ever learning. Ever improving.

All spaces within the new House were designed and developed to accommodate the increasing number of families requesting temporary accommodations. With 20 family suites, and the ability to expand to 30 in the future, the new House has tripled the guest room capacity from that in its former House. The RTA team worked closely alongside the staff of RMHC SC throughout the design process to fully understand the mission and vision for the new House and to provide fundraising support. RTA also visited several other Ronald McDonald House locations to speak to families, volunteers, and staff about their needs and how the various facilities were functioning.

What

Purposeful, engaging solutions.

A focus of the design was to create strategically designed community gathering spaces that promote interaction and support among guests. In addition to the well-appointed family suites, key amenities include a welcoming secure entry, a manager suite, two full kitchens, a large dining room and living room combination with a double-sided fireplace, a children’s play area, a teen room, a family room, laundry rooms, and an administrative wing. Outdoor features include respite areas, walking paths, a children’s play area, a half-basketball court, and a patio with outdoor seating and a barbeque grill. These spaces encourage families to enjoy the outdoors, connect with nature and with each other, and to take in the incredible view of Pikes Peak.

Project Details

  • Square footage: 25,000 sf
  • Project cost: $6.1M

Design Details

  • Collaborative design process
  • 20 family suites with the ability to expand to 30
  • Elevator
  • Full accessiblity on the ground level
  • Secure welcoming entry
  • Two full kitchens
  • Dining room and living room with double-sided fireplace
  • Children's play area, treasure room, and reading nook
  • Teen room
  • Family room
  • Outdoor seating, play area, and barbeque grill
  • Walking paths
  • Laundry rooms
  • Support spaces and storage
  • Capacity to serve 650 families annually
  • Photography by Vic Moss