National interdisciplinary design firm HGA and Wisconsin-based J.H. Findorff & Son Inc. are excited to announce the opening of a completely reimagined David A. Straz, Jr. Hall, the new home for Marquette University’s College of Nursing.
Marquette partnered with HGA and J.H. Findorff & Son Inc. to facilitate growing enrollment in the College of Nursing and address critical nursing shortages nationwide. The state-of-the-art learning environment will help the college not only recruit and retain faculty and staff, but also meet them where they are today while allowing them the flexibility to grow into who they will be in the future.
“The new home for the College of Nursing is more than just a building. It’s a model for how we can develop empathetic caregivers during a technological and cultural transformation,” said Dr. Jill Guttormson, dean of the College of Nursing. “The expertise and collaboration with our design and construction partners truly made it possible.”
Increased staff shortages and burnout related to the global pandemic, along with demanding working conditions, have culminated in nurses leaving the profession. A collaborative effort between Marquette and HGA tackled these headwinds together with an innovative approach to designing a learning environment geared toward training the future nurse.
“We enjoyed the opportunity to partner with Marquette University in helping them to achieve their vision for the future of nursing education,” said Carli Cole, principal with HGA. “The growth model for this program allows the College of Nursing the flexibility it needs today with the nimbleness required to adapt for future growth.”
The College of Nursing began the exploration in 2019, partnering with HGA on a feasibility and concept study that would grow enrollment from 800 to 1,200 over five years, while modernizing their curricular models, offering access to an immersive simulation environment, and providing administrative functions. The plans evolved significantly as the pandemic revealed a challenge to the clinical availability for core hands-on learning requirements and a swift swing into hybrid learning.
HGA guided Marquette through a re-validation process that determined the original project, a renovation of Clark Hall, did not provide enough space for the program to grow nor fulfill the goal of creating a true home for nursing students and faculty. The project turned to Straz Hall, which previously housed the College of Business Administration.
The design for the new College of Nursing building is a testament to modern, student-centered space making. The building features intentionally positioned expanses of bird-strike resistant glass that offer aerial views of the campus. Abundant natural light fosters a sense of connection to the surrounding campus and supports community building within the building itself. Planning incorporates state-of-the-art simulation and skills labs, providing students with hands-on experience in a realistic health care setting. A dedicated respite room offers a tranquil space for students to de-stress and recharge, while a resource room provides access to essential study materials and support services. HGA’s design creates a welcoming and inspiring learning environment that equips nursing students with the knowledge and skills to excel in their future careers.
“Findorff is honored to be a part of the College of Nursing story at Marquette University,” said Mike Stern, director of project management at Findorff. “Our decade-long partnership with Marquette has allowed us to contribute to a variety of facilities that serve the university community. This work is extra special knowing that our team helped create spaces that will play a vital role in educating the next generation of healthcare professionals.”
The College of Nursing was an integrated partnership with HGA as the architect and J.H. Findorff & Son Inc. as the general contractor and cost estimator. Additional project partners included Ring & DuChateau, OTIE, Staff Electric, J.M. Brennan and LP/ws,
The College of Nursing was officially completed in August of 2024 and welcomes the College of Nursing students and faculty this fall 2024 semester.
About Marquette College of Nursing
Marquette University’s College of Nursing offers a learning experience grounded in Ignatian values of excellence, faith, leadership and service. Our nationally renowned faculty shape education and care across the profession through groundbreaking research. We offer individualized, evidence-based, high-quality teaching-learning experiences that enable our students to be all they can be and “Be the Difference” for the patients, families, and communities they serve.
About HGA
HGA is a national interdisciplinary design firm committed to making a positive, lasting impact for our clients and communities through research-based, holistic solutions. We believe that great design requires a sense of curiosity—forming deep insight into our clients, their contexts, and the human condition. We are a collective of more than 1,000 architects, engineers, interior designers, planners, researchers, and strategists. Our practice spans multiple markets, including science and technology, corporate, cultural, education, local and federal government, and healthcare. Visit HGA.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
About J.H. Findorff & Son Inc.
While Findorff has been active in Wisconsin for more than 130 years, we’ve had the privilege of calling Milwaukee home since 1975. We deliver award-winning construction to projects of all sizes across 12 industries including education, healthcare, corporate, multifamily, and science & technology. Character, community, and craftsmanship are at the heart of everything we do. Beyond building, we are committed to being a valued and dependable resource for clients, employees, and the broader community. Learn more about Findorff here.