Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic

The Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic was established in 1938. It is the oldest clinic in the world devoted to the comprehensive care of children born with cleft lips and palate and other craniofacial anomalies regardless of their ability to pay. The clinic was founded by Lancaster orthodontist Dr. Herbert K. Cooper on the first floor of his home. Today, it is one of three clinics in Pennsylvania that offer all aspects of cleft treatment.

Located at 223 N. Lime Street since the mid-1980s, the Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic at the Sam and Dena Lombardo Health Pavilion has undergone $3.2 million of interior and exterior renovations. The extensive renovations doubled the number of patient treatment spaces reducing wait times for appointments.

Revitalizing an Old Space for its Young Patients

Complete interior design services for this 60+ year-old building included assisting with the selection of interior and exterior building finishes, as well as coordinating paint, flooring, and lighting selections with the contractor. RLPS Interior Designers also provided furniture selections and fabrics and supported delivery and installation.

Along with a two-story daylit atrium, a KidsZone was added to the waiting room area. The KidsZone features a playhouse, toys, appropriately sized seating and a colorful mural. Acoustic panel “clouds” suspended from the ceiling in that area add visual interest as well as reduce noise.

RLPS coordinated donations throughout the office; this included contributions towards flooring, ceilings, and countertops. Multiple donor walls have also been designed and are awaiting installation.

Creating Harmonious Work and Treatment Spaces

Cool, calming colors were used throughout the building, based upon the recommendations of a Feng Shui consultant. Nature-themed photographs taken by local photographers and selected by the owner are hung throughout the office and help bring a sense of tranquility into the space. In the lower level, the staff lounge received an update of new soft seating. Sit-to-stand desks were also provided for staff.

Sound-reducing doors and walls installed in each private room help deafen noise. Inside the patient rooms, television monitors installed on the ceiling allow patients to watch their favorite shows to help them relax during treatment.