Construction Update
March 5, 2007

View the photo gallery of the construction process.

Q. What’s happening on campus right now?

A. Campus soil test drilling is complete and this will help us understand what conditions exist below the surface and whether there is any part of the campus where we would have difficulty building. The study on parking and access to the campus is complete and this information will help us understand our parking supply and demand and what, if any, changes need to be made as we expand. The firm we hired, Trans Associates, will also be studying the feasibility of placing an access drive off of Route 68 (East Jefferson Street).

We have also selected a firm to help us prepare for the demolition of the Nixon-Sarver Building. This firm will be looking for the presence of hazardous materials such as asbestos within the building that would have to be removed prior to demolition. As you know, it was common to use these materials in construction up until the mid-1970’s and we have abated most of the asbestos throughout the campus. This survey will look deeper within the walls to find out what may be hidden. Part of this assignment will also be surveying the entire campus to help us better understand what is present and what we may need to prepare for to make changes in the future.

Q. Where are we in the Planning and Programming process?

A. The staff from Planning Decision Resources (PDR) conducted the first User Group meetings this week. This round included User Groups from Critical Care, Medical/Surgical, Central Supply, Surgery and the Emergency Department. PDR also met with a group of physicians to hear their ideas about how to structure our care delivery systems in the new facility. These groups shared information with PDR that will be used to help establish how departments will be placed in the new facility and how they will relate to one another. We expect at least three more rounds of User Group meetings will be held before we finalize this phase.

We are also in the process of selecting an equipment planner to help us prepare for the various information technology and communications (telephones, etc.) required in the new facility. When selected, this consultant will also be holding User Groups and will coordinate its efforts with PDR.

Q. Have we selected an architect?

A. We sent invitations to more than 30 architecture firms nationwide to give us their proposal. We will identify a group of the best firms to consider for the design of our building. Final selection of the architect will take place in April. Also, we will soon be selecting other design engineers such as the structural engineer, civil engineer, electrical engineer and interior designer. This project team along with the equipment consultants and PDR will work together to develop the final building plans.

Q. Where can we see or share input?

A. The former Diabetes Management Center on the second floor is now the Project Command Center. This space will be used to house the office of Project Manager Larry Moore and for the many consultants who are helping us plan the new facility. It will also be available as a resource center where plans and specifications will be available for review. We’ll let you know when it’s ready for a visit.