The four-story, 57,000-sq-ft center will enhance Providence Saint Joseph’s existing cancer program, which is nationally recognized for its leading diagnostic and treatment services, as well as patient survival rates that surpass national averages. With integrated Western and Eastern medicine, the center’s services will include oncology, hematology, pathology, rehabilitation, nutrition, social services and spiritual care.

To accommodate the latest radiology technologies, McCarthy constructed three concrete vaults with 3-ft-thick walls to protect other spaces from electromagnetic energy from the center’s two linear accelerators and one tomography suite.

The facility was built using a moment frame structure to withstand seismic events. This method was necessary due to the tight site; a shear wall could not be built because the building is only eight inches away from an existing parking structure on two sides, and feet from an occupied medical office building.

Designed by SWA Architects of Pasadena, the center reflects nature’s influence in the healing process. In the lobby rotunda, a 25-ft glass waterfall cascading into a rock pool creates a dramatic yet calming welcome. Before its installation, several full-size mock-ups were built to finalize fabrication details, sizing and water flow requirements.

The exterior was constructed with stucco, metal panels and an aluminum curtainwall with dual-pane glazing to add sleekness but still reflect the warmth of nature.