With all the action on Michigan St. downtown, it’s easy to overlook the quieter but nonetheless significant revolution taking place in Byron Center as Metro Health continues to settle into its brand-new, state-of-the-art hospital. I had the opportunity to tour the facility yesterday, and I can say that despite the hype, it does not disappoint.

One of the most immediately striking features of the new hospital is its location and layout. The visually attractive main building is located on 170 acres of mostly undeveloped fields and forest, and is composed of orange, tan, blue and green building materials - a welcome departure from the drab institutional colors of most other hospitals. The complex is inviting and relaxing from the moment you drive in to its conveniently arranged parking area. Plan call for a Metro Health Village composed of health-related retail shops, offices and restaurants to eventually complete the picture.

Upon entering the lobby, the hospital’s stated commitment to a holistic approach on health is apparent. Like the exterior, the building’s main atrium is visually enticing, complete with natural skylights, floor-to-ceiling windows, abundant and comfortable seating, and a tranquil waterfall. The space is framed by expansive views of two exterior courtyards featuring calming ponds, waterfalls, and beautifully landscaped pathways. For patient and visitor comfort, the entire complex features wireless internet capability, as well as computer terminals available for anyone’s use.

Unlike the imposing and sometimes harsh artwork exhibited in the hallways of other area hospitals, the art on display at Metro - a combination of new and former acquisitions - is warm, inviting, and reinforcing of the hospital’s commitment to the environment. Fall and spring colors dominate the interior space, much of which is complemented by custom furniture designed and manufactured by Steelcase. Every room at Metro is private, and features a large, flat-screen TV, comfortable recliner and a loveseat capable of easily expanding into a bed for overnight visitors.

The hospital is further remarkable for its commitment to the environment. Metro is one of only a handful of LEED-certified hospitals in the nation, and is distinguished by an expansive green roof, which both increases energy efficiency and serves as a therapeutic viewpoint for patients. In charge of such initiatives is Aquinas graduate John Ebers, who serves as the sustainable business officer for Metro Health.

There are far too many interesting qualities of the new hospital to share in one article, and many of the new technologies and capabilities are beyond my limited abilities of scientific understanding. I will say that Metro is by far the most outwardly attractive hospital I have ever visited, and appears more forward-thinking than most of the main players on the national health care stage. Will it be able to thrive despite the expanded and rejuvenated operations on the Medical Mile downtown? Only time will tell. But has it already beaten its regional competitors to the starting line? You bet.

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