U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs El Paso VA Health Care Center
Located on the expanding medical district of Fort Bliss, Texas, this new comprehensive outpatient VA Health Care Center is a testament to the resilience and dedication of our nation's veterans. Inspired by the region’s unique geographical and cultural richness, this state-of-the-art facility, delivered by the design-build team of Clark Construction Group and the SmithGroup + HKS Joint Venture, is designed to honor and serve the unique medical needs of those who have served.
Client
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Location
Fort Bliss, Texas
Markets/Services
Architecture, Fire Protection and Life Safety Engineering, Health, Interiors, Landscape Architecture, Medical Planning, Veterans and Military Health
Size
Approximately 493,000 SF
To address the growing demand for Veterans' healthcare services, the VA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) have planned a new comprehensive Health Care Center at Fort Bliss. This facility will be located near the recently relocated William Beaumont Army Medical Center and adjacent to another SmithGroup project, the Intrepid Spirt Center.
This new hospital facility is currently in construction and will be finished in early 2028. It is one of the new paradigms of Design-Build process partnerships where the VA and the Army Corps of Engineers are leveraging industry expertise to integrate the complex medical facility design with construction processes, resulting in significant cost savings and much faster construction delivery times than traditional government Design-Bid-Build processes.
The design of the El Paso VA Health Care Center is centered around creating a healing environment that offers comprehensive primary care, specialty care, mental health services, and ambulatory surgery in a compassionate and calming setting. Positioned in a desert landscape, the center features a welcoming transparent glass façade framed by a protective exterior, symbolizing strength, integrity, and honor for those who have served and sacrificed for our country. In contrast to this disciplined exterior, the interior design incorporates organic, sweeping forms inspired by the desert winds and the fluid movement of the Rio Grande, metaphorically representing the journey home for veterans and establishing a strong connection to the El Paso region and community.
The landscape design offers both a sense of respite and a commitment to responsible resource usage. A healing garden and outdoor dining area located near the building's north entrance create a welcoming atmosphere.
The six-story building is designed with a narrow, linear floorplate that reduces the distances patients need to navigate. This approach maximizes the potential of the 36-acre site while minimizing impacts on the fragile desert ecosystem. The building is oriented to the north to enhance transparency through high-performance glazing, allowing ample natural light and views of the Franklin Mountains. Solid façades on the south and west protect against the harsh afternoon sun and hot desert winds.
An on-stage/off-stage layout separates public and staff circulation, creating a calming environment in areas accessible to the public while ensuring operational efficiency behind the scenes. Staff functions are located along the south façade to maintain privacy and minimize disruption in patient areas. Public circulation is situated along the glassy north façade, providing patients and their families with natural light and mountain vistas.
A color- and nature-themed wayfinding system enhances navigation by level, while a neutral desert palette personalizes the clinic experience. Integrating nature into artwork selections soothes the senses and provides positive distractions.
The design is guided by a curated, story-based journey that references the movement of the Rio Grande and the surrounding riverbank trail system. This strong regional connection is enhanced by a biophilic materials palette and a series of positive distractions. Healing gardens adjacent to public circulation and waiting areas provide direct access to nature, while areas for respite support individual needs by offering options for privacy or social engagement.
The design prioritizes the unique needs of veterans through features such as clear views to exits, spatial compression for calmness, and, most importantly, choice. Public spaces reflect the patient's journey to wellness through significant ‘moments that matter,’ marked by thoughtful materiality, lighting, and landmarks, including a two-story flag in the lobby and biophilic mosaic murals on the upper levels.
Public zones include smaller, protected areas featuring veteran symbols and veteran-focused art. Intuitive wayfinding—such as memorable landmarks and views of the exterior landscape—further supports veterans as they navigate the healthcare center.
The design also includes specialized amenities for veterans, such as an exercise and relief area for service dogs. A selection of resilient native plants restores large open spaces, some with trails and seating areas, while others are designated as preserves. All stormwater is retained in onsite ponds designed to percolate quickly, preventing birds from gathering near nearby airfields.
Honoring our veterans and blending harmoniously with its surroundings, the El Paso Health Care Center embodies the VA’s “I CARE” values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.