Building for Care: Logan Regional Hospital Expansion Celebrates Community, Collaboration, and Commitment to Cache Valley
In northern Utah's Cache Valley, Intermountain Health recently celebrated a major milestone with the unveiling of the expanded Logan Regional Hospital. Reaveley Engineers, Faris Karaghouli, who had the privilege of contributing his engineering expertise to this endeavor, reflected on the ceremony and described it as a story of community, collaboration, and a commitment to care.
The tower's design, led by HDR Architects’ Ben Hickman and Dave Beardsley, integrates seamlessly with the hospital's original structure. The exterior was carefully crafted in such a way that it's difficult to distinguish where the old building ends and the new one begins. Construction of the new tower, carried out by Okland Construction, was marked by exceptional care and precision. Their dedication ensured that every detail met Intermountain Health's standards. This close partnership between designers, engineers, and builders was crucial in overcoming the challenges of such a complex project. “This team demonstrated so much care and passion to build the best-functioning facility possible,” said Faris.
During the ribbon-cutting celebration, key team members, including Ben Williams and Jason Sanford from Okland Construction, Scot Muir from VBFA, and Brian Juber, Logan Regional Hospital's Facility Manager, were seen enjoying the festivities—a testament to the camaraderie that developed throughout the project. This sense of teamwork is reflected in the details, like the meticulously designed patient rooms. These spaces, with their carefully integrated electrical and mechanical systems, were crafted with the needs of caregivers and patients as the top priority.
During the ceremony, over 1,000 community members toured the new facility. Jenn Avery, the hospital's chief nursing officer, emphasized the event's importance in connecting with the community. “We want them to see for themselves the new, state-of-the-art, modernized space where they can come and know they are going to receive safe, high-quality care,” she said.
Faris recounts how Robert Goodwin from Logan Regional Hospital Facilities singled out the stairway lighting fixture as his favorite element, highlighting how this project resonates differently with everyone. "It’s a reminder that a project of this scale isn't just about the design; it's about creating spaces that connect with the individuals who use them daily."
While the expansion to the Logan Regional Hospital is an architectural feat, Faris insists, "it’s the people inside who make it truly special. The building is simply a tool, enabling the dedicated caregivers and staff to provide exceptional care." Every room and space supports the compassion and expertise that define the hospital. The commitment of these individuals, not the structure itself, transforms the facility into a place of healing and hope, making it a cornerstone of the Cache Valley community.
