Lawrence Group is spearheading the creation of a $34 million Ronald McDonald House in St. Louis City, setting a new standard for family-centered care. The new Grove Ronald McDonald House, spanning 76,000 SF over four stories, will replace two older Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) locations, expanding the capacity to serve approximately 450 more families annually.
Rendering credit: Lawrence Group
Renowned for providing solace to families with seriously ill children, Ronald McDonald Houses offer a supportive environment during times of medical care.
The new facility, strategically located in the Forest Park Southeast neighborhood, will offer easy access to nearby hospitals, including St. Louis Children’s Hospital, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital and Shriner’s Hospital for Children – St. Louis.
Rendering credit: Lawrence Group
With construction underway and a projected opening in summer 2024, Lawrence Group has spearheaded the architectural and interior design of the 72-bedroom building. Noteworthy features include private suites with bedroom areas, work/living spaces, and individual bathrooms, aligning with the organization’s vision of providing a comfortable home-away-from-home experience.
Mike DeCola, RMHC Campaign Co-Chair, highlighted the significance of consolidating services into a single, state-of-the-art facility, emphasizing enhanced accommodations and reduced maintenance costs.
“This is a great expanse to build a house to support the families of children getting medical care at one of the three pediatric hospitals, Now, we are going to have one house in town serving three hospitals; the maintenance costs will be lower and each room is actually a suite with a bedroom area, a work/living area, as well as a private bath, so it’s much more accommodating," DeCola said.
Rendering credit: Lawrence Group
The collaborative effort between Lawrence Group, RMHC St. Louis, and key partners underscores a shared commitment to the community.
Galen Vassar, Senior Interior Designer and Associate Principal at Lawrence Group, emphasized the project’s focus on creating a welcoming environment catering to diverse needs.
"We relied a lot on our hospitality expertise to design spaces that comfortably accommodate everyone’s needs. We relied on our multifamily expertise to design a house that functions and performs for multiple people; and we relied on our healthcare expertise to design unique amenities like an immunosuppressed wing featuring a family kitchen and lounge/gathering space for families of immunocompromised children. From start to finish, this was a project rooted in heart – in celebrating, appreciating, and caring for others," Vassar said.
Through meticulous design, Lawrence Group has incorporated amenities such as interactive game rooms, wellness suites, and ADA-compliant playrooms, ensuring a holistic experience for families. The emphasis on comfort and tranquility extends to guest room interiors, reflecting a neutral and soothing color palette.
The Grove Ronald McDonald House exemplifies a harmonious blend of expertise, compassion, and community engagement, embodying the essence of care and support for families in need.
Featured renderings credit: Lawrence Group