Trivers is serving as lead architect and interior designer for Family Care Health Centers’ (FCHC) new community health center. This project extends Trivers’ long-time partnership with FCHC, which includes the design of the organization’s Carondelet location more than 20 years ago.
When completed, the health center will expand Family Care’s ability to provide affordable and accessible comprehensive primary care; behavioral health; nutrition services, including Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); and pharmaceutical services. It will be located at the corner of Grand and Chippewa on the former site of St. Anthony’s Hospital in St. Louis’ Dutchtown neighborhood. Next door to Habitat for Humanity St. Louis’ administrative offices and one of its ReStore locations, the construction of FCHC’s new health center represents a coordinated partnership between the two organizations.
“In one of the densest family-occupied census tracts in St. Louis, FCHC’s newest location is intentionally sited to further its mission of providing health care to the region’s most vulnerable populations,” said Ross Welch, AIA, NOMA, Trivers Project Manager and Associate.
The exterior design of the health center will incorporate subtle masonry details that complement the legacy of St. Louis brickwork evident throughout the neighborhood. Contemporary metal panels with a deliberate color scheme will clad the building’s second floor.
“These features boldly announce the clinic’s presence on a prominent corner where FCHC can broaden its reach and continue to serve the St. Louis community,” Welch said.
On the inside of the building, the design team is employing a hub-and-spoke model to organize clinical spaces. The material palette emphasizes a weaving concept, reflecting FCHC’s model of integrated health care. Patient services are located entirely on the first floor to optimize accessibility and navigation, with large daylight openings to assist with orientation and provide patients and staff with access to natural light. The second floor will be dedicated to staff space, including an organization-wide training area and suite for administrative offices. An expansive staff lounge flowing into a south-facing terrace will serve as a place of respite.
“In addition to supporting the patient population, the project is organized with special attention to the well-being of FCHC staff members operating in the demanding, often stressful clinic environment,” Welch said.
A groundbreaking event was held in November 2024. The facility is expected to open in June 2026.
