Clinical Center News
Winter 2019

Redesign brings fresh look, added light to NIH's Safra Family Lodge

top image of a common area before redesign and the same space photographed on the bottom, after redesign
A before-and-after photo of a common area in the NIH Clinical Center Edmond J. Safra Family Lodge.
 

While HGTV didn't make their way on campus in 2018, another four letter group did – the FNIH – and the results are beautiful.

New paint, updated wallpaper and an abundance of beautiful upholstery has brought a breath of fresh air to the NIH Clinical Center Edmond J. Safra Family Lodge. Completed in late 2018, the redesign of the lodge was accomplished through the support of The Foundation for the NIH (FNIH), including FNIH Board Member Mrs. Lily Safra, and The Edmond J. Safra Philanthropic Foundation, in partnership with the NIH.

"As doctors, nurses and any number of other caretakers will attest, a patient's home life and non-treatment times are all crucial considerations," said Robert Balthaser, Vice President of Advancement for FNIH. "We know that the Lodge is an essential part of the clinical formula. It's very important that we remember that the Lodge is home away from home for its residents and our top priority is to provide comfort and a sense of calmness to the patients and their families who are making vital contributions to our world's health."

After a long day at the hospital, many patients who are stable enough to leave the unit, and their family members, take the shuttle or make the short walk to the lodge – for overnight accommodations. While inviting, the space designed in 2005 was in need of redecoration. Over the summer of 2018, all 34 guest rooms and public areas, including the library, business center, activity room, lounges and fitness room were updated. Noise cancelling wall jacks, television, and a foosball table were added amenities to the top floor public space. And new window treatments and recessed lighting bring more natural light into the facility. There are even new USB jacks in every room guestroom.

Many aspects of the update were taken into consideration – including the type of lighting, carpeting and upholstery, which were reviewed and approved by the Office of Research Facilities.

The aim of the redesign was to maintain the home away from home aesthetic and bring a sense of calm and serenity with the help of lighting and updated colors.

In addition to supporting the redesign, the FNIH, through the help of donations, sponsors a breakfast program each morning for families staying at the Lodge as part of their strong commitment to the NIH and Clinical Center.

Since 2005 the Edmond J. Safra Family Lodge has hosted over 130,000 guests from all 50 states and around the world. The Foundation for NIH has raised over $12 million from more than 1,150 donors in support of the Family Lodge.

A redesigned common area in the NIH Clinical Center Edmond J. Safra Family Lodge
A redesigned common area in the NIH Clinical Center Edmond J. Safra Family Lodge.
 
A redesigned bedroom in the NIH Clinical Center Edmond J. Safra Family Lodge
A redesigned bedroom in the NIH Clinical Center Edmond J. Safra Family Lodge.

CC Newsletter
National Institutes of Health
Building 10, 10 Center Drive
Room 6-2551,
Bethesda, MD 20892-1504
Tel: 301-402-6202
Fax: 301-402-0244

You are now leaving the NIH Clinical Center website.

This external link is provided for your convenience to offer additional information. The NIH Clinical Center is not responsible for the availability, content or accuracy of this external site.

The NIH Clinical Center does not endorse, authorize or guarantee the sponsors, information, products or services described or offered at this external site. You will be subject to the destination site’s privacy policy if you follow this link.

More information about the NIH Clinical Center Privacy and Disclaimer policy is available at https://www.cc.nih.gov/disclaimers.html