A peek inside your new children’s tower

The countdown is on – your new home for inpatient, emergency and Level I pediatric trauma care is on track to open in spring 2023! The outside of the building is complete at the length of a city block and height of more than 13 giraffes.

Construction is now focused on the interior details that will bring the healing environment to life.

• 72 spacious private rooms, among the largest in the country
• Approximately 1 million square feet (when combined with the Children’s Pavilion) dedicated to kids and families
• Emergency department and Level 1 pediatric trauma center
• The latest technology for lifesaving care
• State-of-the-art operating rooms and imaging suites
• Large windows with beautiful city views
• Indoor garden
• Playrooms and teen lounges
• Performance space
• Multifaith chapel
• Family gym
• Ronald McDonald House
• Sky bridge connecting the tower to the VCU Medical Center Main Hospital
• Convenient, free parking in the building

Design with families in mind

The design of the building’s interior combines the soothing elements of nature with mood-boosting hues. The ‘friends of the James River’ theme will guide families through the building with 14 different animals and bright, bold colors to mark each level as unique.

“It’s the chance of a lifetime,” said Liz Taylor, who designed the animal graphics and landscapes that will be featured throughout the building. “I hope my designs add a bit of wonder and joy to a stressful experience.”

The Sky Lobby (main entrance) will feature all the animals in a giant floor-to-ceiling mural. Then each creature gets its own space to shine on a specific floor. You may see a rabbit in a meadow, a river otter in flat water and many other surprise friends. Patients and visitors of all ages can delight in fun facts about the animals and their habitats throughout each level too.

Keep an eye out for more information about the kid-focused touches being infused throughout the building.

Find more fun facts about the new CHoR tower and what it means for kids and families.