80-unit patient housing facility for cancer patients and families

The SCCA House, an 80-unit patient housing facility for cancer patients and their families and caregivers, was dedicated today during ceremonies at its South Lake Union location. The facility is the second such "home away from home" building that is operated by the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Rooms are scheduled to be available to SCCA patients by the end of the month.

The SCCA House will serve patients visiting general oncology clinics and post-stem cell transplant patients returning for follow-up visits. The carefully monitored clean environment is designed for patients with some degree of immunosuppression.

"This beautiful new facility will help fill a significant demand for lodging for patients and their caregivers during various forms of cancer treatment, which can last as long as several weeks," said Norm Hubbard, SCCA executive vice president.

Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels congratulated the SCCA for adding "world-class hospitality to world-class care."

Local hotels have been the only other choices for out-of-town patients aside from the 70-unit Pete Gross House, which serves primarily patients who are undergoing bone marrow and stem cell transplants at the SCCA. The Pete Gross House has a large waiting list because the highly regarded transplantation program draws patients nationally and internationally. Transplant treatment typically lasts several months.

"By providing additional patient housing options, the SCCA is improving access to high-quality, patient-focused care for patients seeking the expertise and technologies of a regional cancer center," Hubbard said. "We hope that, by effectively doubling our patient housing capacity, we can reduce the stress on patients and their families who already have a serious illness to cope with."

The 80 private suites with kitchenettes (equipped with microwave, small fridge, and sink) are geared to those needing to stay a few nights to a few weeks. The rooms vary in size to accommodate two, three or five persons. Free wireless Internet access is included. Communal areas and shared facilities include a 2,300-square-foot kitchen, dining room, laundry facility, wellness and exercise rooms, indoor recreation room and common-use rooms for counseling, computer use, classes and a resource center. A second-floor terrace patio and rooftop garden provide outdoor spaces. A shuttle will be available to take patients to and from clinic appointments and to local grocery stores.

The six-floor facility is located at 207 Pontius Ave. N. Ground was broken in January 2008.

As a non-profit organization wholly owned by the SCCA, the SCCA House can accept donations to assist patients and their families staying in Seattle for their cancer treatment.

More background and facts:

• Six floors, 67,311 square feet
• Cost to construct: $24 million
• Parking: 40 spaces on two levels underground
• Retail space available for rent: 2,831 square feet on the street level
• Architect: Weinstein A/U
• General contractor: Walsh Construction
• Rents: Rates are competitive with local hotels and the SCCA House is exempt from the 15 percent hotel tax. The following rates are per room: (price per room) small (two persons) $95/night up to seven nights; $80/night for eight-30 days; $75/night 31 days or more; regular (three persons) $100/night up to seven nights; $90/night eight-30 days; $80/night 31 days or more; large (up to five persons) $105/night up to seven nights; $95/night eight-30 days; $85/night 31 days or more
• Sustainability: SCCA House is pursuing "silver certification" under the LEED program (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design). Features include "green" roofs, courtyard planting and storm-water detention planters in lieu of on-site detention tanks; high efficiency fixtures; extensive use of day lighting and energy efficient lighting; natural ventilation and high performance heating and cooling equipment.