Project of the Month: Downes Construction Co. and Kaestle Boos Assoc. complete 14,000 s/f special care outpatient clinic

Tremendous advances in medical care are making outpatient care possible for many more adult and pediatric patients. As a result, the Hospital for Special Care expanded the size of its Outpatient Center by four times the current capacity, from just 4,000 s/f to 14,000 s/f. The addition of the new outpatient center allows the Hospital for Special Care to expand the services it offers to patients that require assistance, but do not need hospitalization. To manage the expansion, the hospital selected Downes Construction Company to serve as their construction manager with Kaestle Boos Associates as the architect. Downes Construction has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the Hospital for Special Care completing all major projects the hospital has undertaken over the last 20 years. The new one-story addition features lobby space and a prominent relocated main entry and information desk, over 20 new exam rooms, a team room, office, new gift shop, minor modifications to the existing atrium/café and a comfortable waiting area featuring a stonewall and fireplace. Natural light is abundant throughout the space due to large, energy-efficient windows. A curved exterior was designed to effectively maximize the site and create a more aesthetic appearance. The curved element and rounded corners was also extended into the interior design of the building. The existing main entrance was in the footprint of the new addition presenting significant logistical challenges. Jeff Anderson, assistant director of operations said, "The project team had to work closely with the hospital to create a new temporary entrance and waiting area for patients during the construction period since the addition was in conflict with the existing main entrance. Another challenge was vehicular access including patient drop-off which also had to be re-routed multiple times in order to complete the site improvements in the area." Programs slated for the Hoffman Outpatient Center include primary care for children and adults with chronic illnesses, care for Parkinson's disease and other neuromuscular conditions such as Muscular Dystrophy (MD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). HSC's ALS program with its clinical trials research unit is the only initiative of its kind between New York and Boston. Since 1934, Downes Construction Company has been "building excellence" throughout New England. Downes Construction Co. provides a full range of construction-related services, from project planning and design to construction. Using a unique combination of technology, in-depth staffing experience and a family commitment to maintaining the highest standards for quality, Downes Construction Co. has built repeat business from a wide array of clients for over 80 years.