Bentonville medical school to bring new apartments

Bentonville Medical School to Bring New Apartments

In the heart of Northwest Arkansas, a new medical school is gearing up to transform the healthcare landscape. The Alice L. Walton School of Medicine (AWSOM) in Bentonville has taken a crucial step towards an innovative approach to medical education by breaking ground on a 154,000-square-foot facility just east of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

With its founder, philanthropist Alice Walton, at the helm, AWSOM aims to provide a different approach to healthcare—one that integrates art, architecture, and natural features. The curriculum will emphasize whole-person care, connecting patients’ mental, physical, social, and emotional health. This holistic approach is designed to foster a culture of student well-being, empowering future physicians to care for their patients as well as themselves.

The construction of the medical school’s four-story building began in March 2023 on a 14-acre site. The facility will include learning halls, public galleries, libraries, clinical teaching spaces, a student lounge, healing gardens, outdoor classrooms, and a theater. This state-of-the-art complex will not only serve as a LEAN and sustainable learning environment but also offer ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation.

The Alice L. Walton School of Medicine has recently secured preliminary accreditation status by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), paving the way for the school to recruit its first class of students. Applications are now open for the inaugural class of 48 students, marking a historic milestone for this innovative medical school).

Student Housing Plans

The housing complex planned for the site is set to become a vibrant community hub adjacent to the medical school. The 300-unit apartment complex, expected to open in 2026, will cater to both medical students and local residents. Designed by Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects and landscaped by Office of Strategy + Design, the complex will feature a park-like setting with nature trails, ponds, and various spaces for personal reflection or group gatherings.

  • Student Apartments Highlights:
    • The housing complex will offer studio to two-bedroom apartments.
    • Residents will enjoy a natural woodland setting with walking trails and various spaces for relaxation.

The Alice L. Walton School of Medicine’s innovative approach to medical education and its integrated housing complex promise to enrich the educational experience of its students, fostering both physical and mental well-being. This commitment to whole health underscores the broader mission of the Crystal Bridges campus and the Heartland Whole Health Institute.

Financial Aspects

The construction costs for the apartment complex remain undisclosed. However, the funding for the medical school is not part of the recently announced 0 million investment aimed at expanding healthcare access and reducing costs in the central United States. This investment is a collaboration between the Alice L. Walton Foundation, Mercy, Heartland Whole Health Institute, and Cleveland Clinic.

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