Designing for the future

As the steel frame of IU Health’s new hospital begins to rise along I-69, Brian Hensler is watching years of planning and design take shape. A Fort Wayne native and senior project manager for IU Health East Region design and construction, Hensler has played a pivotal role in the hospital’s development, from early design phases to day-to-day construction oversight.

"This is the kind of project I’ve always dreamed of being part of," says Hensler. "To be involved from the ground up with designing, planning, and now building, it’s been incredibly rewarding."

With more than 20 years of experience in healthcare facility operations and engineering, he has helped guide the hospital’s layout and infrastructure with a sharp focus on regulatory, efficiency, patient-centered design, and sustainability.

"We’re creating a beautiful, high-quality hospital," he says. "Every square foot has been optimized to support comprehensive care for the Fort Wayne community."

Construction is moving forward as planned, with the new hospital is expected to be finished by late October 2026. The team recently hit some big milestones, like getting essential underground systems in place along with continued mechanical, electrical, and plumbing off-site prefabrication, an approach that speeds up construction and helps keep the project on track. A topping-out ceremony in July marked the completion of the steel structure.

Among the most unique aspects of the project is the hospital’s geothermal heating and cooling system — the first of its kind in the IU Health system. A 300-well geothermal field beneath the property will help reduce the facility’s environmental impact while lowering long-term operational costs.

As the build progresses, Hensler continues to serve as a connector between the design team, construction crew, and IU Health leaders, removing barriers by ensuring questions are answered and communication flows to help maintain the current timelines.

"My job is to keep things moving," he says. "It’s about removing barriers early so the construction team can focus on what’s ahead and continue their progress."

Looking forward, team members and departments will soon provide input on everything from furniture layouts to how different spaces support day-to-day workflows, so efficient movement and access remain a focus to ensure that future operations run smoothly.

"Everything from the layout to the lighting has been designed with the patient in mind," Hensler says. "We want people to feel calm and cared for the moment they walk in."

Personally and professionally, the project is a full-circle moment:

"I’ve lived in Fort Wayne my whole life, and I’ve worked in healthcare a long time. To be a part of bringing a new hospital to my hometown — that’s something special. It is rewarding to know that we are adding another option to Fort Wayne with improve care, while increasing access, and driving quality healthcare forward for everyone in this region."

The IU Health Fort Wayne hospital is scheduled to open in 2027.