The Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) Headquarters represents the largest investment in emergency medical services for Central Arkansas within the last 30 years. Cromwell provided full design services for the new MEMS Headquarters in Little Rock, AR. After completing a Facility Condition Assessment and a Master Plan for the organization, Cromwell moved forward to the first phase of the Master Plan, the new Headquarters building with a project budget of $10 million.
The two-story, 37,000 SF Headquarters building contains a hardened dispatch department on the first floor that is designed to withstand severe wind and seismic loads. The operations and logistics areas occupy the remainder of the first floor. A pull-through covered ambulance resupply area has been provided near logistics. The second floor contains the executive suite, the Little Rock Ambulance Authority Board Room, finance department, accounts receivable and billing, human resources, and a large training department that includes a 1,500 SF multi-purpose room.
Size
Services
Architecture
Engineering
Interior Design
Planning
Awards
Bronze ASID Excellence in Design Award
Size
Services
Architecture
Engineering
Interior Design
Planning
Awards
Bronze ASID Excellence in Design Award
The Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) Headquarters represents the largest investment in emergency medical services for Central Arkansas within the last 30 years. Cromwell provided full design services for the new MEMS Headquarters in Little Rock, AR. After completing a Facility Condition Assessment and a Master Plan for the organization, Cromwell moved forward to the first phase of the Master Plan, the new Headquarters building with a project budget of $10 million.
The two-story, 37,000 SF Headquarters building contains a hardened dispatch department on the first floor that is designed to withstand severe wind and seismic loads. The operations and logistics areas occupy the remainder of the first floor. A pull-through covered ambulance resupply area has been provided near logistics. The second floor contains the executive suite, the Little Rock Ambulance Authority Board Room, finance department, accounts receivable and billing, human resources, and a large training department that includes a 1,500 SF multi-purpose room.
The interior finishes used reflect MEMS’ organizational commitment to a “mission-first” approach. Low maintenance polished concrete floors are utilized throughout the first level along with impact resistant painted gypsum board and concrete walls. The gray color palette was defined with a wide use of white walls and finishes. Natural maple wood and stainless steel dominates the clean and modern design. Luxury vinyl planks add interest in the break rooms and sheet vinyl flooring in training rooms allow for easy cleaning. Modular carpet rounds out the executive suite and classrooms on the second level floors.
The exterior materials consist of utility sized brick, poured-in-place concrete, and metal panels. The client desired a strong, rooted palette of materials that provides for minimal maintenance of the exterior. These different materials are used along with a slight shifting of portions of the façade to help define operational functions within the building. The plan and site development were heavily influenced by the building’s use as a civic building with multiple entry points. A strong, rectilinear core for vertical circulation and support spaces are surrounded on each level by primary functional spaces that provide ample natural light.
The new headquarters was designed to ensure that MEMS has the space and support that they need to continue to grow as an organization and meet the needs of the growing population of Central Arkansas. It also aligns harmoniously with the organization’s mission and commitment to the people it serves: To further continue as the principal leader in setting the standard and guiding the future of pre‐hospital care within the state of Arkansas.
