Walter B. Jones Jr., an esteemed architect from Middleburg Heights, Ohio, passed away on Dec. 5 at the age of 69 after bravely battling cancer for some time.
Over the course of his impressive three-decade career as an architect and project manager, Jones spearheaded numerous significant projects at various healthcare organizations, revolutionizing strategies and making a lasting impact on the healthcare design industry.
Milestones at MetroHealth and Parkland
Most notably, in 2014, he assumed the role of senior vice president of campus transformation at The MetroHealth System in Cleveland. During his tenure, he oversaw the design, construction, and opening of The Glick Center, an 800,000-square-foot hospital that serves as the centerpiece of a $1 billion investment in the urban healthcare campus and community. The Glick Center, completed in October 2022, embodies Jones’ innovative process-neutral concept, allowing for flexible space assignments based on volume and care needs.
Following his retirement at the end of 2022, Jones returned to MetroHealth in February 2023 as interim senior vice president for facilities, construction, and campus transformation.
Prior to his time at MetroHealth, Jones played a pivotal role in leading the design and construction of the $1.3 billion, 2.1 million-square-foot Parkland Hospital in Dallas, the largest hospital construction project in North America at the time. As senior vice president of facilities planning and development at Parkland Health and Hospital System, he was instrumental in guiding the replacement safety-net hospital project.
Early in his career, as an associate at Howell, Rusk, Dodson Architects in Atlanta, Jones oversaw projects for Atlanta’s Grady Memorial Hospital and Northside Hospital Women’s Center.
Recognition in Healthcare Design
A graduate of Clemson University, where he earned his master’s degree in architecture, Jones was a founding member of the Healthcare Design magazine’s Editorial Advisory Board. He also earned multiple certifications during his career, including Evidence-Based Design Accreditation & Certification (EDAC) from The Center for Health Design and Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED AP) from the U.S. Green Building Council.
In February, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) honored him with elevation to its College of Fellows, a prestigious recognition bestowed upon only 3 percent of AIA member-architects.
Walter B. Jones Jr. is survived by his wife Jan and children, Amber N.; Walter B., III; and Evan D. A visitation is scheduled from 4:30-8 p.m. on Friday, Dec.15, at Calhoun Funeral Home in Cleveland. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16 at Cathedral Church of God.
