Designing for Health and Hope

C.W. Williams Community Health Center

The C.W. Williams Community Health Center has been a pillar of the West Charlotte community for over 40 years. Founded in 1981 by Dr. Charles Warren Williams, the center was North Carolina’s first Federally Qualified Health Center and remains a model for affordable, patient-centric healthcare. But the center’s flagship location had seen better days, and patient needs were outgrowing the space.

Following a donation from Dr. William’s family, a new, state-of-the-art facility opened its doors on the grounds of the original location in Fall 2024. At 17,700 sq. ft., the center expanded its service offerings to include a pharmacy, dental office, mental health services, substance abuse counseling, pediatric care, and a food pantry in addition to primary and preventative care.

Designed by BHM Architects, the new C.W. Williams Community Health Center uses Echelon Masonry’s Aria Slim masonry in Ground Face Granite and Texture Face Alabaster to deliver a design that balances a modern aesthetic with quiet resilience, living up to the center’s role as a pillar of the community.

Designed With Dignity

Low-income and public assistance programs come with heavy stigma, one that stretches even into the architecture. Facilities are typically boxy, grey, and bleakly utilitarian.

“The client was adamant that we should steer away from this look,” explains Kristin Mulkey, Partner at BHM Architects, who led the project. “It was important for the structure to provide a strong, clean, updated look while not being overbearing or intimidating.”

The issue is more than just skin-deep. Research has shown that building design profoundly impacts occupant physical and emotional well-being. Prioritizing aesthetics is a simple way to make patients feel valued and instill a sense of community pride.

“The goal was to have the center fit beautifully into the neighborhood without being too ostentatious,” continues Mulkey.

And Echelon Masonry’s Aria Slim fit the bill perfectly.

The product’s linear design breaks up the clinic’s square, two-story structure while providing visual interest. The light tones of the masonry lean into the design’s blue-gray palette and pair well with the dark exterior paneling and warm wood accents. Large, high-placed windows allow ample natural light without presenting a security risk.

Designed for Durability

With a strict budget and 13,000 patients served annually, the C.W. Williams Health Center needed a design that made every penny count and prioritized durable, long-lasting materials. Masonry was an easy choice.

“There were some concerns around vandalism and break-ins,” says Mulkey. “The client was especially concerned with the base of the building. Masonry was a smart choice because it’s tough, but also easy to clean.”

Additionally, Echelon Masonry is sourced locally, reducing transportation and manufacturing costs, which was another win for the clinic’s budget.

Contending with Climate

The center’s design also needed to factor in another obstacle — the weather.

Charlotte’s climate is very humid, and the city has experienced increased hurricane effects and severe weather in recent years. This has led to an uptick in mold and mildew problems, especially for buildings that are ill-equipped to handle excess moisture. Mold poses a significant health risk, and families in lower-income areas are disproportionately at risk of exposure. It was a risk the center could not afford to take.

“We went with solid masonry instead of a thin veneer; this allowed us to install a rainscreen wall system,” says Mulkey.

Rainscreens deploy a multi-layer exterior to direct moisture and precipitation away from the building. An intentional gap is left between the outermost and secondary layer, allowing for extra ventilation and preventing mold growth on the building’s exterior. The masonry was treated with a water repellent for an extra layer of protection.

Built to Serve and Last

For the team at BHM Architects, the C.W. Williams Health Center project was not just about delivering a building. It was about honoring the vision of its founder and enhancing the lives of those it serves. Utilizing masonry in the building design allowed the team to create a unique aesthetic that serves as a beacon in the community and can withstand any potential challenges. The end result is a community-first health center that is built to last.