Kearney Regional Medical Center – New Patient Wing Addition

Meeting the Needs of a Growing Community

When Kearney Regional Medical Center (KRMC) opened in 2014, its leadership anticipated operating a small hospital with only a few inpatient beds. A decade later, the community’s needs have grown at a remarkable pace. By 2023, expanding inpatient capacity had become KRMC’s top priority. With approval from Bryan Health and support from community partners, the hospital launched a major project: a 36,600 s.f. patient wing designed by WDM Architects and built with Sampson Construction.

“Initially, in our mind, it was going to be a small community hospital with about 10 or 12 beds. By year five, we had exceeded that by a factor of four, and here we are talking about 120 beds,” reflected co-founder Dr. Merlin Wehling in an April 2024 interview.

The new wing expands KRMC’s capacity, enhances patient comfort, and advances Bryan Health’s mission of “advancing the health of individuals in our region through collaboration with physicians and communities.”

Designing with Care: Full-Scale Mock-Ups to Optimize the Patient Room

To ensure every inch of the new patient suites supported real-world clinical needs, WDM Architects led a hands-on design charrette with KRMC’s bedside care teams. Under the direction of Principal Architect Stan Landwehr, the team built a full-scale mock-up of the patient room—complete with paper templates taped to the wall to represent medical gas outlets, electrical connections, equipment zones, and storage locations.

This exercise allowed nurses, therapists, and support staff to physically walk the space, simulate daily tasks, and provide immediate input on layout, workflow, and safety. Their feedback directly shaped the final design.

One of the most significant outcomes was the development of a fully integrated headwall system. Unlike KRMC’s original two patient wings—which relied on separate vertical strips on either side of the bed—this new design consolidates medical gases, power, data, and equipment rails into a single, cleanly organized panel. The integrated resin panel not only improves durability and infection control, but also elevates the aesthetic of the room.

As healthcare technology rapidly evolves, patient rooms require more connections and greater flexibility. The new headwall system anticipates these needs, giving clinical teams streamlined access to essential utilities while creating a more calming, uncluttered environment for patients and families.

In short, the mock-up process ensured the design wasn’t just functional on paper—it was functional in practice.

Master Planned Hospital Design

KRMC’s growth has followed a clear vision from the very beginning. Since the hospital’s conception in 2009, WDM and KRMC leadership have used a thoughtful master-planning process to guide each phase of expansion. Rather than becoming a confusing maze—as can happen when hospitals grow in reaction to immediate needs—KRMC has evolved through a coordinated five-phase plan.

The original facility included a 21-bed inpatient wing extending north from the main hospital. Phase Three introduced a matching wing to the west. This newest phase completes the planned layout by capping and connecting both wings along the north side and forming a serene courtyard between them. The courtyard features shaded seating and walking paths, giving patients and staff a tranquil outdoor space to relax and recharge.

“This addition represents a transformative step forward for KRMC, expanding our capacity to provide high-quality care while reinforcing our commitment to the communities we serve. It is a success made possible through strong partnerships—WDM, Sampson Construction, and the Kearney Community.”
— Doug Koch, MHA, CEO, Kearney Regional Medical Center

CMAR Delivery Approach

The project used a Construction Manager at Risk (CMaR) delivery model rather than a traditional design–bid–build process. This approach brought the owner, architect, and construction manager together early, enabling real-time coordination of scope, cost, and schedule.

Advantages: early cost certainty, continuous constructability insight, and a more efficient schedule.
Challenges: requires strong communication, transparency, and trust across all partners.

“Working side-by-side with Sampson Construction from the start meant we weren’t just designing in isolation—we were problem-solving as a team. That collaboration paid off in schedule savings and construction efficiency.”
— Stan Landwehr, WDM Principal in Charge

Leveraging Best-Practice Tools to Streamline Design

To support the fast-paced schedule and minimize surprises in the field, WDM Architects and Professional Engineering Consultants (PEC) developed a detailed Building Information Model (BIM) in Revit. The integrated architectural, structural, and MEP model improved coordination, sharpened cost estimates, and helped the client visualize the project long before construction began.

“3D visualization is invaluable. Using it means fewer surprises, faster decisions, and ultimately a smoother path to construction.”
— Stan Landwehr, WDM Principal in Charge

Stan Landwehr, AIA and Amber Michaud, Assoc. AIA, collaborate on Kearney Regional Medical Center’s Patient Wing Addition

Construction in a Live Hospital Environment

Construction began in April 2024 immediately adjacent to active patient care areas. Careful sequencing and communication were essential to maintain safety, minimize disruptions, and coordinate around patient needs.

“Working right next to occupied patient wings took a bit of orchestration. Every step required planning around patient care needs, but collaboration with KRMC’s staff made it possible.”
— Brad Meyers, Sampson Construction Project Manager

The $30 million addition incorporates durable 10” precast panels with 28” double-tee components, providing both construction efficiency and long-term performance.

Designed for Patients, Staff, and Families

First Floor Highlights:

• New rehabilitation department
• Cardiac and pulmonary rehab and pulmonary function testing
• Five-chair infusion area
• Future ICU space
• Flexible conference rooms, staff break room, and storage

Second Floor Highlights:

• Twenty-five private patient suites—primarily for orthopedic patients
• Visitor-friendly layouts to support family involvement
• Multiple bariatric-capable rooms equipped with ceiling-mounted rail lift systems

The bariatric-ready rooms support safe, dignified care for all patients while significantly reducing caregiver injury risk—reflecting a modern, holistic approach to patient and staff well-being.

Bariatric patient room features specialized lift and transfer system for patients of size

Interior design features calming neutrals with soothing blues, greens, and purples, creating a restorative environment throughout the wing.

“This project was designed around comfort, safety, and an exceptional patient-centered experience, ensuring our patients and families receive care in an environment that reflects our values. Through our affiliation with Bryan Health, we were able to bring forward the resources necessary to elevate these standards across the entire wing.”
— Doug Koch, MHA, CEO, Kearney Regional Medical Center

Looking Ahead

The new wing opened ahead of schedule in November 2025 and is considered a major milestone in KRMC’s long-term vision.

“Working with WDM Architects has been a collaborative and highly professional experience, and they clearly understood the unique needs of our patients, caregivers, and community. Their partnership—supported by our Board’s vision—helped us deliver a space that will serve Central Nebraska for decades.”
— Doug Koch, MHA, CEO, Kearney Regional Medical Center