Type: Medical

Size: 3,900 square feet (remodel), 2,750 square feet (addition)

Developer: Park Nicollet Health Services

Architect: EAPC Architects

Details: Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital is moving ahead with an extensive remodeling of its Struthers Parkinson's Center in Golden Valley, including adding a new community room and indoor gathering space.

The Struthers Center, which provides day care, therapy and other services for Parkinson's patients, moved into its own 15,000-square-foot building along Hwy. 55 in 1995 after outgrowing its space at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park. Now, it's seeking city permission to launch a new era in its 25-year history.

According to a facilities master plan submitted to the city, the effort has three elements: the remodeling of 3,900 square feet of existing space, a 2,750-square-foot building addition and 5,100 square feet of new exterior landscaping.

One of the project's goals is to create an indoor/outdoor "movement therapy" garden that incorporates natural light, plantings and artwork along a new path designed to be safe for patients. The indoor portion of the walkway would be housed in the addition.

The project is also designed to enhance the center's education and training functions. A community room, built in part to host professional gatherings of Parkinson's specialists, will be part of the new addition, while the renovated space includes patient relaxation, art and music therapy rooms.

The Golden Valley Planning Commission approved preliminary plans this month.

Don Jacobson is a St. Paul-based freelance writer. He can be contacted at hotproperty.startribune@gmail.com.