SSM Health Outpatient Center in Sun Prairie

The SSM Health Outpatient Center in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, was developed in response to the growing demand for accessible healthcare services in the expanding Madison metropolitan area. This new facility enhances the availability of specialty care, including surgical orthopedic and comprehensive eye care, while also relieving capacity constraints at the SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison. Beyond healthcare access, the project brings stable employment opportunities to the region, contributing to the community’s economic vitality.

The landscape architecture for this project was shaped by the site’s natural character, particularly its dense forested areas. A central design challenge was preserving five significant white oak trees, considered legacy trees, by integrating them into the site plan. These trees became focal points around which the parking lot and circulation routes were carefully designed, balancing the client’s functional needs with environmental stewardship. Much of the surrounding landscape was restored to a native shortgrass prairie, enhancing biodiversity and reducing maintenance. A key feature of the site is the entry garden, a serene space planted with native species and furnished with benches, offering a reflective environment for patients, families, and visitors.

Sustainability was a guiding principle throughout the project. The site includes electric vehicle charging stations and solar panel canopies over the parking areas, supporting renewable energy use. Stormwater management practices, including retention areas and native plantings, help manage runoff and promote ecological health. Low-mow fescue turf was used to reduce irrigation and maintenance needs. In a creative nod to sustainability and craftsmanship, a black walnut tree removed during construction will be repurposed into a custom bench for the facility’s front lobby. The outpatient center spans approximately 90,000 square feet on a 15-acre site.