The $12.4-million building systems overhaul is the initial phase of the medical center’s plan to convert three existing office and administration floors into patient space for the shock trauma unit. Carried out adjacent to critical patient care spaces and an active helipad, the three-year, seven-phase renovation required creative scheduling techniques and teamwide coordination to maintain the hospital’s 24/7 services and guarantee the safety of patients and staff. The project included the phased removal and replacement of two interior air handling units (AHUs) and a complete build-out of new power, hydronics and fire protection systems. Minimizing service disruptions was a priority, with the more complicated parts of the schedule subdivided into as many as 16 separate phases to limit downtime and outages.

During a preplanned 24-hour window, sections of the AHUs were hoisted by crane to the upper floor mechanical room using a temporary hole cut in the building exterior. The operation was interrupted six times to accommodate the arrival of emergency response helicopters.

Photo courtesy Turner Construction Co.

To accommodate new main and emergency power equipment, existing elevators and a stairwell were demolished and repurposed as MEP shafts for new and future service. Exterior louvers and metal panels were added to the existing brick facade.

Three-dimensional project design and coordination technology helped plan the upgrade, particularly in the congested, active mechanical room. An intricate network of fall protection measures allowed workers to move safely between levels. The standard for executing the design was extremely high, as even a half-inch deviation of a hanger location could have a ripple effect that would seriously hinder the project. The trade partners executing the work understood the importance of accuracy and prefabricated as much as possible to match the design.

The project team also implemented measures to adhere to noise limitations, established fire watch protocols and carefully coordinated scheduled outages. Efficient coordination with the loading dock kept critical deliveries on schedule throughout the project.