I have never liked going to the doctor. Each office was the same: austere white walls, harsh fluorescent lights, a chemical scent that lurked around every corner, and every waiting room felt aloof and stale.

And the worst part? Having to take so much time out of my day to get there, idling at red lights and dodging busy intersections.

One of my doctors relocated to an office complex in Central Perimeter near Atlanta’s healthcare hub known as “Pill Hill.” I was hesitant to travel through the hectic Sandy Springs traffic for just another average doctor’s office… but I was wrong in the best way.

I knew as soon as I pulled up my GPS that this new location was going to be different. No matter if I took 400 from work or I-285 from my house, I avoided crowded junctions and was able to drive quickly along the interstate.

When I pulled into The Commons at Lake Hearn, I was welcomed to the three-building complex by clear signage, beautiful landscaping, and appealing office buildings. I drove up to a well-lit parking deck, where five floors of covered parking made the whole experience feel effortless. I quickly realized I didn’t need to rush to my appointment: all the extra time I had built into my day to get there was unnecessary when travel and parking was so simple.

I used my extra time to explore the complex before my appointment. I entered beneath a covered sidewalk and walked into a lobby where the walls were covered with warm wood, and live plants lined the floor. The plants instantly made me feel more at peace, and made the air feel and smell fresher. Cushioned armchairs were pushed against a tiled wall, and helpful TV screens were hung in front of vertical beds of spongy moss.

Around the corner, an indoor café awaited behind paned glass, lined with wooden tables and barstools. A refrigerated case was filled with everything from salads and fruit cups to muffins and cheesecakes, and the words “Commons Grille” was lit up on the wall behind the counter, reflecting off the glass. The grille also had a hot bar, chip and candy selections, and a variety of cold drinks.

I grabbed a snack and headed to a seating area that bridges the gap between the 1100 and 1150 buildings. Outdoor chairs surrounded matching tables placed beneath a frosted glass awning, and both sides of the eating area were lined with more plants. Further along, an uncovered patio had more tables and wide mesh chairs. I relaxed in one and enjoyed my snack until it was time for my appointment.

As soon as I saw my doctor, I immediately began praising her new space.

When I asked why she chose to relocate, she immediately replied with the obvious: the location, landscaping, ample parking, and the impressive interiors. She went on to tell me about the complex-wide, multi-million-dollar renovation that not only beautified the buildings, but also made everything from bathrooms to elevators feel brand new. Things like the state-of-the-art air conditioning system and the new roofs promised long-term leases. The medical office buildings totaled 655,000 square feet on a 12.1-acre lot, and the tenants benefit from things like a spacious conference center with a catering kitchen, onsite generator pads, gurney-sized elevators, a Merv-13 air filtration system, and Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the entire complex, even among the two acres of greenspace outside.

My doctor also said that she was offered a generous landlord buildout package, and had up to 120,000 contiguous square feet of first-generation, white-boxed space to work with if she needed the room to grow. The property managers were responsive and helpful, aiding her architects when she was building her practice to match her vision. Surrounded by a wide array of medical practices, ranging from pediatrics and physical therapy to oral surgeons and chiropractors, my doctor knew her practice would thrive in The Commons at Lake Hearn.

After seeing everything that The Commons had to offer, I could definitely understand why my doctor chose to move her practice. Now I at least have one doctor I not only tolerate, but genuinely enjoy visiting. Now I just have to convince the rest of my doctors to move to The Commons at Lake Hearn, too.