Peace Island Medical Center, the island's first inpatient medical facility, opened its doors to the public on November 26, 2012. PIMC was designed to meet the standards of the Living Building Challenge - a certification program related to site, water, energy, health, materials, equity, and beauty.
Wood from trees that had to be removed because they were on the site of the building has been used for framing for the large windows, counters and stairs. Over eight and a half miles of island cedar have been used for the building siding. Slabs of island maple decorate the entries to the facility. A large lobby coffee table and supports for sculptures are all created from wood collected, conserved, and finished by local artisans. Landscaping includes aspen groves, garry oaks, maples, cedars, salal, and ferns. A small orchard honors the agricultural heritage of the property.
Over 90% of the wonderful art collection is the work of island artists, and the remainder is from the Pacific Northwest area. Many of the major works have been underwritten by local donors. In a gallery connecting the clinic with the Emergency Department, San Juan Island artist Annie Howell-Adamshas created a multi-panel mural depicting the history of local healthcare. This includes 19th century doctors moving about the island with horse and buggy, early 20th century nurses training at St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham, and modern day island air ambulance service.
Islanders and visitors are encouraged to visit the facility to enjoy the artwork and grounds of the Peace Island Medical Center.
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