LGE Design Build has completed construction on a 47,863-square-foot, two-story $9.5 million building for the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM) in Tempe.
Called the Community Commons, the building offers state-of-the-art classrooms with study areas, exercise spaces and a library expansion four times larger than the previous space. The Community Commons’ 6,100-square-foot regenerative pain clinic and rehabilitation center will enable the college to pioneer an interdisciplinary approach. For the public, the building houses an organic café, teaching kitchen, yoga studio and a natural medicine dispensary.
The campus addition supports SCNM’s record-enrollment numbers, growing patient volume in the medical center and future plans to add new degree programs and community classes. In July, SCNM graduated its largest class of naturopathic physicians in the college’s 21-year history.
“Once in a generation the chance comes along to transform a college,” said Dr. Paul Mittman, president and CEO of SCNM. “Rarely can this happen by adding a single building, but that’s exactly what has happened with the addition of the SCNM Community Commons. The Commons is reshaping the SCNM experience by bringing a fully-realized naturopathic lifestyle to students, patients, staff and visitors.”
“LGE worked closely with SCNM to create a beautiful building that will stand the test of time and enable SCNM to expand its reach into the community,” said David Sellers, president of LGE Design Build.
SCNM is seeking LEED Platinum certification. Parking canopies include photovoltaic solar panels.
Cawley Architects of Phoenix designed the building. Pacific 33, a California-based design firm focusing on healthcare, designed the interior with references to nature and naturopathic medicine. One World Development of Calgary, Alberta, served as the developer.
