Elevating Cancer Care

University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center

University of Kentucky HealthCare was in search of a partner to lead the design of an expansion of the Markey Cancer Center, in order to offer more precise radiation oncology treatments and to enhance the experience for their patients. As the only cancer center in Kentucky designated by the National Cancer Institute, the Center plays an integral role in our community’s fight against the disease. When JRA was offered the project, we worked in collaboration with all key stakeholders, including project managers, department heads, doctors, radiologists, as well as patients. JRA also toured peer facilities across the country exploring best practices to better inform our design and planning decisions.

The project consisted of a below-grade addition of 6,500 square feet to house one of the newest linear accelerators (Halcyon) in the industry and a renovation to 5,400 square feet of existing space that houses, among other things, their brachytherapy program. Furthermore, the project included a new vault for CT sliding-gantry, an HDR afterloader, control rooms, prep recovery space, staff work rooms, a hot lab, an expanded waiting room, a break room, exam rooms, and other support spaces. JRA successfully addressed the site constraints by designing a creative and functional solution that allowed the project to be constructed between two existing buildings, an existing campus fiber communication duct, an existing underground tunnel, and an open-air plaza above - all while keeping the existing facility operational.

Anytime we’re presented the opportunity to help those in our community fighting to get their lives back from something as challenging as cancer, we’re always proud to lend a hand.