As a part of Brizo' s Blogger19 Reunion tour of St. Jude's facilities, we were taken on a tour of the Target House. This facility, opened in 1999 as a generous gift from Target, provides long-term housing for St. Jude patients and their families when treatments last anywhere from three months to three years. The goal was to make a private safe haven for families to live and feel at home during the on going stresses of long-term treatment.
Target House - Elephant Mascot representing long life, strength and playfulness.
The Target House is is flooded with natural light and bright colors, making it a very cheerful place from the moment you walk through the doors. While it is designed to be a sterile and easy-to-clean environment, it achieves this without the chemical and cold feeling of a hospital. The floors are hardwood and low-nap carpets rather than cold tile, giving the place a warm and homey feeling.
Crown molding, wainscoting, rich wood accents, and spaces and furnishings designed and donated by celebrities make it very easy to forget you're in a hospital environment.
The Sean White Great Room - 70's Rock & Roll Inspired Room
Families that stay at the Target House can enjoy private apartment suites with everything they need for day-to-day living and access to free laundry facilities. In addition to giving families their private spaces, the designers of the Target House also understood the need for a supportive community and included plenty of common spaces for the enjoyment of the residents. There is a library full of books and movies, a music room, an arts and crafts room, and plenty of playing areas. There is also a communal dining room and kitchen available if families have days where they don't want to use the kitchens provided in their private apartments.
The Tiger Woods Library
Brad Paisley Room
Guitar Light Fixture - Brilliant!
The final result is not just a beautiful design, but a healing one for both the patient and their family. The Target House helps to turn the terrible and frightening task of battling pediatric cancer into a more comfortable stay for the entire family. It embodies the true spirit and meaning of "home" by creating an environment which is beautiful, safe and comfortable!
