The Ellen S. Clark Hope Plaza is located centrally on the Washington University Medical Campus, surrounded by the Steven & Susan Lipstein BJC Institute of Health, the McDonnell Pediatric Research Building, the Eric P. Newman Center, and the Mid Campus Center.
Before the plaza was initially completed in 2010, it was the site of an aging parking garage structure, which was demolished to make way for the surrounding research buildings.
”Together with the university’s visionary board of directors, we envisioned transforming the space into something far more meaningful, a plaza for patients, survivors, and caregivers who traverse the medical campus daily. Ellen immediately embraced the idea, seeing it as a place of peace and healing,” said Robert G. Clark, Executive Chairman and Founder, Clayco.
Today, restoration of the plaza is necessary due to the impacts of the BJC Institute of Health Vertical Expansion construction. WashU Medicine intends to respect the original design, as the circulation, fountain, site furnishings, and lighting design intent all remain.
The continued enhancements to Hope Plaza, including new investments in sustainability and long-term durability, would have meant a great deal to Ellen. We are proud to support this healing space and grateful that it continues to serve as a calming, welcoming presence for all who visit WashU Medicine.
Robert G. Clark, Executive Chairman and Founder, Clayco
Items requiring restoration include those damaged during the construction of the Vertical Expansion, such as curbs, concrete paving, plantings, and irrigation.
Additional repairs and improvements that deviate from the original design enhance the functionality of materials, reduce maintenance, and lower life-cycle expenses. These include:
- Raising the height of the planter curb
- Replacing the decomposed granite paving
- Updating the planting
- Optimizing the irrigation system
“We were proud to be entrusted with the restoration of Hope Plaza,” said Melissa Rockwell-Hopkins, Ed.D., Associate Vice Chancellor and Associate Dean of Operations & Facilities Management at WashU Medicine. “Our team approached this work with care and intention, knowing how much this space means to the Clark family and to everyone who finds respite, reflection, or healing here.”
EXPECTED SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION
Spring 2026
PROJECT TEAM
Lamar Johnson Collaborative – plaza architect, landscape architect
The Lawrence Group – vestibule architect
Stock & Associates – civil engineer
CDE – structural engineer (concrete)
KPFF – structural engineering consultant (steel)
IMEG, Inc. – MEP engineer
McClure Engineering – commissioning agent and vibration/acoustical consultant
BSI Constructors, Inc. – construction manager
WASHU MEDICINE TEAM
Project Executive: Melissa Rockwell-Hopkins, Ed.D, SHRM SCP, FMP, SFP
Senior Project Manager, Lead Project Manager: Lauren Leonard
Facilities Engineering Management: Mark Hume
Facilities Engineering Area Supervisor: Josh Jenkins
Building Maintenance Technician (BJCIH): Brian Hajec
Project Coordinator: Karen Starks
Project Accountant: Tiffany Smith
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The original project was designed by renowned architect Maya Lin, known for the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC, and the landscape architecture firm Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates Inc.