Children’s Hospital Colorado Eye Clinic

The Children’s Hospital Colorado (CHCO) Eye Clinic project involved an 8,000-square-foot renovation designed to elevate pediatric ophthalmology services through a highly specialized, state-of-the-art clinical environment. The new clinic features 17 exam rooms, six dedicated imaging bays, and a series of carefully configured optical equipment layouts, all tailored to CHCO’s unique care model. Creating a space that could accommodate complex technology while remaining intuitive, comforting, and accessible for young patients and their families required thoughtful planning and meticulous design.

From the outset, Mortenson collaborated closely with design partners Perkins&Will and IMEG, as well as CHCO staff, to refine clinical layouts, define equipment requirements, and optimize patient flow. A comprehensive mockup process allowed end users to engage directly with the design by testing room configurations, validating equipment clearances, and applying lessons learned from previous CHCO eye clinic projects. This early, hands-on involvement ensured that every design decision supported functionality, staff efficiency, and patient comfort, setting a high standard for clinical performance.

The project required the complete demolition of the existing eating disorder clinic down to the building shell, followed by a full reconstruction of interiors and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Executing this complex renovation demanded close collaboration, transparent communication, and technical precision, ultimately reflecting CHCO’s confidence in Mortenson to deliver a high-quality project.

An additional layer of complexity arose from the project falling under the jurisdiction of the City of Aurora rather than CHCO’s typical Anschutz/UC Denver system. The team proactively navigated this regulatory shift, coordinating timely inspections, approvals, and compliance measures to keep the schedule on track.

Through disciplined cost management, detailed planning, and a tightly coordinated team approach, Mortenson successfully delivered the CHCO Eye Clinic at approximately $2.9 million – under budget – providing a credit back to the client. The completed facility meets all clinical, technical, and operational goals, creating a welcoming and efficient environment for patients, families, and staff, while enhancing CHCO’s ability to provide world-class pediatric ophthalmology care.