Natividad Acute Rehabilitation Center

WRD Architects partnered with Natividad Medical Center to remodel its existing 21,000-square-foot Acute Rehabilitation Unit (ARU)—the largest of its kind in Monterey County. Located in Salinas, the ARU provides inpatient and outpatient services for individuals recovering from injuries or complex medical conditions that may cause disability. This OSHPD-1 remodel was driven by patients’ increasingly consumer-oriented approach to selecting rehabilitation facilities.

The renovation added four acute rehabilitation beds and four dialysis beds, increasing the ARU’s total capacity to 24. The project also introduced updated finishes, furnishings, equipment, and nurses’ stations throughout the unit. Additional improvements included a new outdoor garden, as well as refurbished gym and dining areas.

Construction was completed in carefully planned phases to minimize disruption to patients. Remarkably, not a single patient bed was left vacant due to the remodel. In terms of square footage, this project represents Natividad’s largest renovation since the hospital was built in 1999.