The Temple-based Scott & White is the developer of twin eight-story towers with 243 private rooms. Construction is to begin this spring. The hospital calls it the biggest non-military construction project in Bell County's history.

The hospital developed plans in a 2 1/2-year process for the facility after staff members visited hospitals around the country and received ideas from staff members and Temple-area residents. Dr. Alfred Knight, Scott & White's president and CEO, says the center will set a "national benchmark for care and deliver unparalleled, personalized care."

Some features are a technology infrastructure that allows rapid exchange of information; Internet access in patient rooms; and electronic medical records that provide quick to patient information. Rooms will be capable of supporting telemetry monitoring, which will reduce the need to move patients around the hospital. In their rooms, patients will be able to control heat and light and they'll have direct access to nurses.