Following a donation from Dr. William’s family, a new, state-of-the-art facility called the C.W. Williams Community Health Center in North Carolina opened its doors on the grounds of the original location in Fall 2024.

At 1,644.3 m² (17,700 sf), the center expanded its service offerings to include a pharmacy, dental office, mental health services, substance abuse counselling, pediatric care, and food pantry in addition to primary and preventative care.

The center’s design needed to factor in an obstacle—the weather. Charlotte’s climate is very humid, and the city has experienced increased hurricane effects and severe weather in recent years. This has led to an uptick in mold and mildew problems, especially for buildings that are ill-equipped to handle excess moisture. Mold poses a significant health risk, and families in lower-income areas are disproportionately at risk of exposure.

Rainscreens deploy a multi-layer exterior to direct moisture and precipitation away from the building. An intentional gap is left between the outermost and secondary layer, allowing for extra ventilation and preventing mold growth on the building’s exterior. The masonry was treated with a water repellent for an extra layer of protection.

The end result is a community-first health center that is built to last.