After a decade in the making, the Children’s Hospital New Orleans partnered with EYP to help realize a vision of transforming the state’s go-to children’s facility into a fully modernized, comprehensive pediatric health campus. This phased renovation and addition increased the hospital’s footprint by more than 235,000 square feet.

So, how do you modernize Louisiana’s largest freestanding pediatric hospital while maintaining its critical operations? With lots of creativity and coordination.

EYP developed a clear and rigorous 34-phase plan to keep the Children’s Hospital New Orleans in continuous operation. The approach required innovative scheduling, a heightened focus on safety, progressive wayfinding, and extensive communication with the hospital, contractor, and community.

As you drive through the local neighborhoods and New Orleans’ historic district, you’re greeted by the hospital’s newly renovated front entrance. After parking and crossing the glass-enclosed sky bridge, visitors can enjoy the two story Betty and Hank Lauricella Pavilion. The hospital’s new “living room,” the pavilion is designed to welcome patients by offering interactive game stations and noise-reducing acoustics to comfort those with special needs. The colorful lights, digital signage, artwork, and activities energize the staff, patients, families, and community. Reducing anxiety and encouraging creativity, the pavilion sets the stage for young patients’ healing and wellbeing.

And what’s next for Children’s Hospital New Orleans? A four-story tower that will expand its multispecialty programs and services, supporting the mission to “shape a healthier, happier future for kids.”