HACKENSACK, N.J. — Construction is complete for the expansion of the John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center. The $130 million project brings all of the center's 14 divisions under one roof in a 155,000-square-foot, sustainably constructed building.
The building's highlights include a four-story lobby atrium that features abundant daylighting, Murano glass-blown birds suspended from the ceiling, and a living wall that contains a 24-foot waterfall and more than 30 plant species hydroponically growing up the wall. Other features inlcude walking gardens, a green roof with a vegetable garden, and tranquility rooms. A demonstration kitchen will allow patients to learn how to manage their appetites while undergoing treatment. A business center/patient library, a cyber café and a fitness center will be available to patients and caregivers. The new facility will also feature ample space for research.
The Theurer Cancer Center is already the largest center of its kind in New Jersey and one of the top-10 largest centers in the country. So far, the Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation has raised $65 million for the project, including a $10 million donation from Helena Theurer in memory of her late husband John Theurer, who the cancer center is named after.
The project architects include ZGF Architects and Ronald Schmidt & Associates. Other project team members include landscape designer R&S Landscaping and J/Brice Design, a hospitality design firm that is assisting with the building interior.
The new building, which joins the old building via a pedestrian walkway, will open to patients in January.
— Coleman Wood