physical therapy treatment space with natural light

Sutter Hopyard Care Center

Expanding Access to Specialty Care

Bringing Multi-Specialty Care Under One Roof

As part of Sutter Health’s broader strategy to expand access to specialty and outpatient care in the Tri-Valley, the new Sutter Hopyard Care Center brought together three separate clinical programs—Imaging, Physical Therapy, and Pediatric Urgent Care—into a single multi-specialty outpatient facility. Evolving from an earlier regional planning effort, the project transformed the first floor of an existing two-story office building into a state-of-the-art clinic, while maintaining active office operations on the floor above.

A validation study and collaborative Lean Design/Big Room process established the program and project goals. Key objectives included increasing access to care, enhancing the patient experience, maintaining affordability and time-to-market, and adapting the existing building to medical use without wholesale redesign of the existing structure.

Strategic Consolidation

Adapting an existing office footprint to accommodate three distinct healthcare programs required thoughtful spatial planning driven by the building’s geometry and central common corridor. Rather than fragmenting services, the planning strategy kept Imaging, Pediatric Urgent Care, and Physical Therapy cohesive. Physical Therapy’s administrative and support functions were separated from treatment areas, positioning the PT gym along the building perimeter to maximize natural light, generous ceiling heights, and an open, welcoming environment. Meanwhile, Pediatric Urgent Care was located adjacent to General Radiology to share X-ray resources and support smooth after-hours care.

Technical Precision & Medical Integration

Integrating a comprehensive Imaging department—featuring MRI, CT, X-ray, ultrasound, mammography, and DEXA—demanded rigorous technical coordination. Imaging facilities were strategically positioned near a primary entrance to facilitate the installation, maintenance, and future replacement of large, heavy equipment through an interior breakout panel, avoiding wholesale changes to the exterior facade. To resolve the complex challenge of quench vent routing through an occupied second floor while satisfying strict Hacienda Business Park requirements, the team engineered a roof-discharge solution. Throughout design and delivery, a collaborative process brought together Sutter stakeholders, DES, engineering consultants, Skanska, and imaging equipment vendors to evaluate risks early, streamline decision-making, and maintain an accelerated schedule.