The innovative 40-unit housing facility and garage provide a comfortable environment for families whose children receive critical care, support for visiting physicians and specialists.
Kirksey Architecture, a leading innovator in architectural solutions for community, multifamily, and healthcare sectors, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of the new Patient Family Housing facility and adjacent parking garage for Shriners Texas Children’s Hospital in Galveston, Texas.
The innovative 40-unit housing facility provides a supportive, comfortable environment for families whose children receive critical care, including suites for visiting physicians and specialists. The residential complex and garage are designed with hope and healing in mind, underscoring Kirksey Architecture's commitment to empathetic design in healthcare spaces. The project began construction in January 2023 and held a grand opening ceremony on Oct. 30, 2024.
“The grand opening of the Patient Family Housing facility represents the culmination of a collaborative design process centered on the needs of children and their families,” said Robert Kohutek, AIA, LEED APSenior Associate & Studio Director at Kirksey Architecture. “Balancing state-of-the-art functionality with a sense of calm and comfort is a delicate balance. Our team was honored to work with Shriners Texas Children’s Hospital to create an environment that can materially improve the quality of life for families at a challenging time.”
Kirksey’s design principles create a sanctuary for families navigating the emotional and logistical challenges of caring for a hospitalized child, weaving functionality with a warm, home-like atmosphere. A welcoming lounge and expansive kitchen work in tandem with full laundry facilities, a business center, multi-use space for events, and much-needed storage to meet the long-term needs of guests. Kirksey’s goal was to create an environment with all the services and amenities residents needed, allowing them to remain focused on their loved one’s needs.
“Today we begin a new chapter of providing hope and healing to the children and families who depend on our Texas hospital for the extended care they often need to move forward after experiencing such life-changing injuries,” said Richard Burke, Imperial Potentate of Shriners International and Chairman of the Board of Directors for Shriners Children’s.
Kirksey’s Project Architect, Mitzi Jimenez, states, “As a former Shriner’s kid, it was an honor to work on this project. Growing up, I loved visiting the hospital because it was designed for children, and this new patient housing building maintains the same considerate design. Everything from the playful wall paint to the light fixtures and the flooring. Even the stairs are designed with children in mind. There are handrails at both adult and children's heights. Handrails are also installed at children’s height in the corridors to help with any mobility issues. I am confident that new patients will create the same fond memories as I did when they stay at the new building.”
Kirksey Architecture’s experience in healthcare and multifamily design informed every step of the project, from the patient-centered approach to spatial layout. Kirksey’s design for the new addition spans the garage from one side of the street to the other to unite the campus, providing safer traffic for pedestrians and vehicles without sacrificing adjacency to housing or the hospital. The 300-car parking garage will ensure that support staff and guests spend less time searching for a parking spot and more time with those who need them.
Since 2021, Shriners Children has worked to merge services in the region to offer comprehensive care under one roof. The completion of the new Patient Family Housing facility marks the end of major renovations. Shriners Children’s and Kirksey Architecture are furthering Shriners International Fraternity's mission not only to meet but anticipate the needs of patients, families, and staff.
