Margaret Mary Health Replacement Hospital

Faced with aging infrastructure, increasing utility costs, and a land-locked site, Margaret Mary Health (MMH) decided to replace their existing 25-bed critical access hospital in Franklin County, Indiana. The new 125,000 ft² facility, set on a 125-acre greenfield site, is strategically located next to the existing Outpatient & Cancer Center and Physician Center, creating a consolidated and comprehensive healthcare campus. Designed to enhance diagnostic and acute care services, the hospital will house an emergency room, diagnostic imaging, cardiopulmonary facilities, women’s health services, surgical space, inpatient care, and other ancillary services.

CMTA provided MEP engineering and technology design for the replacement facility, as well as master planning for a future Health and Wellness Center to ensure long-term flexibility and operational efficiency across the site. The infrastructure scope included geothermal systems, HVAC, plumbing, medical gas, fire protection, electrical systems, site lighting, fire alarm, and emergency power systems. On the technology side, CMTA provided leading-edge Audio-Visual (A/V) and Information Transport Systems (ITS) Low Voltage design. Collectively, these systems prioritize reliability, energy efficiency, and long-term flexibility.

The hospital design also prioritized sustainability and resiliency, aiming for an energy usage goal of 100 EUI and an Energy Star Target Score of 100. To achieve these ambitious targets, the systems will be fully electrified, eliminating the use of natural gas. The design also incorporates a full geothermal central plant, airside energy recovery systems for minimal outside air, heat recovery chillers, LED lighting, and adiabatic humidification. These efforts position the campus for future decarbonization as the utility grid transitions to cleaner energy sources. Additionally, the geo-central plant provides resiliency from severe weather events, while its drastically reduced power demand allows the facility to be fully backed up by emergency power generators.

Scheduled for completion in 2026, the replacement hospital reflects MMH’s commitment to improve the patient experience, attract top healthcare professionals, and serve as a hub for an expanded health and wellness campus—all while adopting forward-thinking strategies for sustainable healthcare design.