A hallmark of the Center’s redesign is exemplified by the light and airy lobby with its evocative, curving blue countertop reminiscent in style and color of an ocean wave. The effect is deliberate, according to Dominic Shields, strategic planning manager for Hoag, who said:
"We tried to make the whole building more open and integrated."
However, the graceful design of the lobby, while creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere, is not the most dramatic element of the center. What could be a real boon for the health and well-being of the community are the new specialty services that will now be available in Huntington Beach. One such service is 3-D mammography, allowing doctors to detect breast cancer in young women, and on-site physician specialty practices will now include cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and rheumatology.
The expanded center also offers opportunities for local vendors to gain new customers. For example, every new office needs supplies and every new physicians’ practice needs business card printing. Thus, the benefit of the new facility extends to many different segments of the Huntington Beach community.
The Hoag Health Center at 19582 Beach Blvd. originally opened more than 20 years ago, prompting Hoag CEO Robert Braithwaite, a Huntington Beach native, to describe the development as “overdue in many ways".