Cruising along, on track for September completion

A bit too soggy for exterior work this afternoon

It has been an incredibly busy summer at the Health Center. We are now caring for over 14,000 patients and literally busting at the seems. Staff and patients alike are looking forward to the fall when our new addition will be complete and move-in ready! Patients should look for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) hand-outs at their upcoming appointments with news and updates about the new building, where things are located, how to check-in, etc.

JK Scanlan is scheduled to begin work on the openings/connections between the existing and new buildings in the next couple of weeks. We have will have 2 hallways connecting the buildings. This means there will be some relocating of exam and counseling rooms temporarily, but minimal overall disruption as it is scheduled to take place over the weekend. 

Last weekend power was completely shut off at the Health Center and electricians were successful in tying the new building’s power into the existing building. Over the weekend pipes to connect the sprinkler system for the new building were also run back to the mechanical room in the existing building. We will be coordinating a future date when the pipes will be connected, which will require shutting off water and flushing the pipes out. Gas is the last utility that still needs to be connected between the existing building and the addition.

Inside the expansion, ceramic tile is being installed this week in the bathrooms, cabinets are going in next week, and drywall is up throughout most of the building.

“Things are cruising along and we are still on target for September for the certificate of occupancy and opening for patients in October,” said Katy O’Connell, CHC Chief Information Officer and Building Committee Member.

Looking forward to a new fiscal year & new building

As we say goodbye to Fiscal Year 2012, we look ahead to an exciting FY2013 and all that it will entail. Interior construction progress ramped up on the Health Center’s new addition this week. The 22,000 sq/ft space is weather tight now with all the windows in place. Crews began installing drywall in the main (top) floor on Tuesday and also poured the concrete for the staircases this week.

Next week, the building team will be digging a trench for the gas line to the new building next to the existing back deck. Access from the deck to the front of the building will be impacted off and on, but they will try to keep a metal support over the trench to allow for egress in case of emergency. The permanent electricity to the new building is scheduled to be brought in on July 28. This will require a power outage over the weekend. In about two weeks, exterior insulation will go over the black surface, and after that siding and trim will start going on the outside.

It’s definitely all coming together now, and we are very proud to report an expected completion with certificate of occupancy by September 12. Please stay tuned as we announce some upcoming dates of interest, including National Health Center Week in August and the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony later this fall.