Kathryn F. Kirk Center

The vision of the new Kathryn F. Kirk Center for Comprehensive Cancer Care and Women’s Cancers at Huntsman Cancer Institute is to further develop the facility to enhance patient care. Six of the eight floors accommodate medical programs and include a new Women’s Center and expansion of the Wellness and Integrative Health Center, significantly expanding the capacity of the hospital system to best serve their patients.

The Huntsman Cancer Institute campus is designed as a beacon of hope set high on the mountainside for all to see. The Kathryn F. Kirk Center builds on this legacy of inspiring hope and HCI’s connection to the mountain by extending from the mountain slope like an impressive rock formation. This center supports and encourages people to take on the difficult and frightening challenge of fighting cancer by lifting their sights upward to hope, strength and healing.

This journey begins at the drop-off and lobby area carved out of the base of the building and into the mountainside, providing a sense of shelter and refuge to patients. Though nestled into the mountain slope, patients are met with rays of sunlight streaming into the lobby, offering a warm first impression of the building. Once inside, the way forward is presented by the grand vibrant red sandstone staircase. These encouraging granite steps backdropped by colorful stone walls invoke a feeling of being embraced by the mountain.

The founders of the Huntsman Cancer Institute, Jon and Karen Huntsman, have always seen art as a part of the healing experience. The Huntsman Cancer Institute also recognizes their campus rests on the land of Indigenous people that came before and is committed to honoring and protecting the story and the people of this place. Interwoven into the design of the Kathryn F. Kirk Center is the display of art from more than twenty-five indigenous nations from the southwest region. These intentional displays of art help bring moments of relief to people in their healing journey and give them a connection to place.