The new Enloe Health Gonzales Comprehensive Cancer Center in Chico, California, brings Enloe Health’s ambulatory cancer services together under one roof, expanding access to comprehensive cancer care for communities across California’s North State region. Designed by HGA, the 109,000-square-foot outpatient center increases Enloe’s capacity to care for approximately 2,000 new patients each year while supporting an expanded range of cancer specialists, services, and programs.

HGA’s design takes a holistic, patient-centered approach informed by research, benchmarking, and biophilic design principles. The planning prioritizes intuitive wayfinding, reduced walking distances, access to nature, and supportive spaces that respond to the physical and emotional needs of patients, families, and care teams throughout the cancer journey.

A central “main street” promenade organizes the patient experience and provides views to a healing garden, helping connect interior spaces with the surrounding landscape. Patient and family amenities include a quiet room, conferencing area, comfort center, and outdoor spaces. Vertical perforated-aluminum fins incorporated into the glazing system help minimize heat gain and glare while maintaining access to natural light and views.

Clinical spaces include 48 infusion bays, 56 exam rooms organized across five pods, radiation oncology services with three linear accelerators and CT imaging, specialty and infusion pharmacies, laboratories, and dedicated patient and staff support spaces. The center also includes shell space to accommodate future MRI capabilities.

Through evidence-based planning and a focus on the human experience of care, the design creates a supportive environment where advanced cancer treatment, patient wellbeing, and operational efficiency come together in one comprehensive destination.

Design: HGA
General Contractor: Swinerton
Photography: Kendall McCaugherty