Eskew+Dumez+Ripple, a joint venture partner with NBBJ and Rozas Ward, are designing the VA Replacement Medical Center in the newly expanded Medical District of New Orleans. The facility is a 2.4 million square foot comprehensive medical center which includes 220 inpatient beds, an ambulatory outpatient clinic, mental health outpatient treatment facilities, an emergency department, research laboratories, and structured parking.The new facility will include the adaptive re-use of existing historic structures in the mid-city neighborhood, such as the Pan American Life building, the Dixie Brewery, and several existing residences which currently contribute to the Mid-City National Historic District. The campus is also designed to enhance the synergistic relationship to the new LSU Medical Center, immediately adjacent to the new VA campus. Designed to achieve a LEED Silver certification, it also includes ambitious energy conservation goals.The project construction cost is currently estimated at $850 Million, with an expected completion in late 2013.