Architectural Design - Clinics and Hospitals

The 47,000-square-foot design-build Department of Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Rapid City, SD, is both functional and iconic—an enduring landmark that expands critical healthcare access for Veterans across the Black Hills region. Prior to this facility’s development, the closest VA primary care option for Veterans in the area was over an hour away. With the growth of the Veteran population in western South Dakota, this new clinic significantly improves access to high-quality, locally available care.

The clinic is designed according to the VA’s Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) model, which prioritizes veteran-centered care through modular layouts that bring services to the patient. The facility includes primary care, mental health, women’s health, imaging, counseling, and support services—all delivered efficiently in a “one-stop shop” model that minimizes movement and maximizes continuity of care. Every element of the interior layout was carefully configured to foster comfort, reduce stress, and support long-term wellness.

Sustainable design was a guiding principle from the project’s inception. The building incorporates energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and low-impact site design to minimize environmental footprint while maximizing performance and durability. As a result, the project achieved Green Building Initiative certification with an impressive Two Green Globes rating. These accomplishments reflect the team’s focus on reducing energy and water consumption, improving indoor environmental quality, and enhancing lifecycle performance.

FourFront Design led the full design and construction effort, managing all disciplines and overseeing critical IT infrastructure. This included full compliance with the VA’s Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) initiative and Office of Information and Technology (OIT) standards—ensuring that the facility is equipped with advanced, secure, and future-ready healthcare technology.

This project represents a powerful investment in Veteran care, community well-being, and environmental stewardship. Through thoughtful planning and execution, the Rapid City CBOC sets a new standard for regional outpatient clinics by aligning innovation, sustainability, and compassion.