An outdated Heartside building becomes modern guest house for Saint Mary’s Health Care families

Saint Mary’s Health Care is in the midst of transforming an outdated mid-century building directly behind the hospital into a contemporary and welcoming guest house for the families of patients.

The former St. Luke’s House on the corner of Lafayette Avenue SE and Cherry St. SE will soon be the new $3.5 million Sophia’s House, named after the mother of lead donor Peter M. Wege.

The guest house features 15 private guest rooms with televisions and wireless Internet access, a larger family-sized guest room, and common areas that include a kitchen, living room/library, a game room with a television and Wii, a children’s alcove, computer center and a fitness room.

“The guest house will be for patient families who come from over 30 miles away while their loved one is being cared for at Saint Mary’s,” says Michelle Rabideau, executive director of the Saint Mary’s Foundation, the fundraising arm of Saint Mary’s Health Care and overseer of the guest house operations.

“Also, if a patient is coming from over 30 miles away and has an early morning surgery, they can come in the night before and stay at Sophia’s House,” Rabideau says. “They’ll be less anxious, their car is already parked and then can just walk across the street to the hospital.”

Rabideau says the design includes a homey feel with all the amenities of a hotel, warm colors and is just yards away from the hospital and Lack’s Cancer Center.

An overnight stay is $35 per room, and guests can bring in their own food to prepare in the kitchen, says Rabideau.

The guest house will open on Monday, June 4. Sophia’s House will begin taking reservations in May.

Interior design: Progressive AE
Construction manager: Erhardt Construction
Furnishings: Custer

Source: Michelle Rabideau, Saint Mary’s Foundation
Writer: Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News Editor