Rooftop artwork gives some patients at UCHealth Longs Peak Hospital a new view

By:
Jan. 22, 2019

LONGMONT, Colo. – Some patients at UCHealth Longs Peak Hospital in Longmont now have a new view, thanks to a local business.

The Longs Peak Hospital Foundation recently teamed up with Longmont art manufacturer DuraPlaq to design, create and install rooftop artwork to offer a colorful, mountain inspired aesthetic for the patients and staff.

Two men install one of 55 art panels that now cover an air handler on the roof of UCHealth Longs Peak Hospital.
A team from DuraPlaq installs one of the 55 art panels that now cover the rooftop air handlers at UCHealth Longs Peak Hospital in Longmont.  Photo by UCHealth. Top photo courtesy of DuraPlaq.

The 55 art panels, which cover the hospitals’ rooftop air handlers on the north side of the building, depict a sun-drenching rendition of the Rockies with winding streams and country roads leading through mountain passes, according to Andrew Deschenes, a manager at DuraPlaq. “We hope it will provide a sense of comfort and tranquility to all who see it,” Deschenes added.

Longs Peak, located at 1750 E. Ken Pratt Blvd., opened in August 2017. The 51-bed full-service hospital features an intensive care unit, four operating rooms, a Level III trauma center and emergency department, a birth center with a Level II special care nursery, a café, a gift shop, and a courtyard.

The rooftop art project, visible from the north-facing patient rooms, was made possible by the generosity of private donors.

“Through this project, our donors have been able to improve the patient experience.,” said Ashley Kasprzak, development officer for the foundation. “Artwork can bring joy, and joy can bring healing.”

Foundation Patient experience UCHealth Longs Peak Hospital

About the author

Kelly Tracer is a media relations specialist at UCHealth, based in northern Colorado. For nearly 20 years, she worked as a newspaper reporter, editor and designer before diving into the world of health care communications.

She believes there is an amazing story inside everyone and considers it an honor to get to meet and work with so many extraordinary people – patients, families, providers, volunteers and staff – every day. She is also fascinated by health care innovation and programs that empower and inspire people and families to live healthier lives.

A native of Nebraska, Kelly received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. She and her husband have two children and enjoy paddle boarding all summer and skiing all winter.