Bob Patton
The Southeast Fort Wayne community had rallied against the demolition of the historic Ward Elementary School, which was first constructed in 1930. The aging structure, compounded by multiple additions over the decades, came with real site challenges. But it also offered an opportunity to preserve a meaningful landmark and repurpose it into something vital to meet the community’s needs today.
Neighborhood Health answered that call, bringing primary care, dental services, behavioral health, prenatal care, on‑site pharmacy services, and a LabCorp laboratory—all under one roof.
The interior is designed to reflect their mission, offering a sense of calm, safety, and a welcoming atmosphere. Predictable movement, intuitive adjacencies, and multilingual wayfinding in English, Spanish, and Burmese help make the clinic easier to navigate. Daylighting is incorporated throughout.
Certain spaces require an added layer of privacy. Elevated ceilings and enhanced acoustics soften sound. Exam rooms accommodate both exam table placement and privacy curtains to give patients using interpretation services appropriate space and dignity. Culturally minded colors and materials were selected to invoke a sense of belonging. And staff‑only zones offer employees a place to recharge, promoting well‑being and contributing to retention.
The Community Room, once a high school gymnasium, is now a flexible gathering space—able to support yoga, community events, and technology‑enhanced presentations. It also functions as an alternative consultation area for individuals who prefer a non‑clinical setting. The demonstration kitchen sits adjacent, allowing nutrition classes and hands‑on learning for those who want to learn to cook healthy meals.
Universal design strategies were incorporated to address sensory, spatial, and mobility needs. Features include a family restroom equipped with an adult‑sized changing table. The Dental Clinic supports patients of all ages and abilities through design elements and by giving visitors control over lighting and audio/visual settings. The clinic incorporates an oversized dental treatment room designed around the region’s only special needs dental chair, ensuring sufficient space for the care team to treat bariatric and wheelchair‑bound patients directly from their chairs.
The transformation of Ward Elementary into Neighborhood Health Oxford reflects their commitment to dignity, inclusivity, and community empowerment. By reimagining a familiar neighborhood landmark, Neighborhood Health created a place that brings essential care, connection, and support closer to the people who depend on it.
Project Team
Owner: Neighborhood Health
Architecture, Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, MEP, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture: MSKTD & ASSOCIATES
Construction: CMa Plus, LLC