INSIDE SCOOP
September 2013
Mercy Health Saint Mary’s 8 North Renovation
Completion! www.elzinga-volkers.com
The Look Ahead
Looking ahead, we have turned over the first major phase of the 8 North project for patient use. Everyone is very excited and pleased with the outcome. We want to say thank you to those involved for all of the hard work put into this project. In the weeks to come, we will be working on the 6th floor elevator lobby. Additionally, the north half of the 7th floor will soon be vacated and demolition of the next phase will begin! -Joe Shashaguay, Field Manager
Upcoming Milestones
Nurse charting station
»» Completion of 6th floor elevator lobby »» Demolition on the 7th floor
Executive Summary We are proud to report that the 8 North project is now complete! With the majority of construction-related tasks wrapped up, the project has been in “Punch Out” phase these last few weeks. During this time, there is a flourish of activity to prepare the space for final inspections, certifications and patient move-in. One of these final activities includes working through something called a punch-list that the project team is tasked to develop. It essentially covers the remaining details that must be addressed before reaching a level of completion that is satisfactory to all parties. Items on this list include mostly physical corrections such as paint touch-up, hardware adjustments and minor repairs. For this project in particular, we utilized a punch-list software on a mobile device. Floor plans are loaded into the software and the user is able to pinpoint the location of the required activity, write notes, upload photos and assign resources to the task. The program generates a list and then e-mails the appropriate individuals. The increased detail this technology provides improves task clarity and results in a higher quality finished product.
Aside from the job aesthetics, many individuals have been on-site to prepare the space for occupancy. Cleaning crews wiped, scrubbed and vacuumed away the construction debris. The housekeeping staff followed with a detailed sanitizing clean. Nurse-call systems have been programed, tested and certified. A specialist was brought in to balance the HVAC systems. Nurse teams oriented themselves to the new work areas and have been going through a series of training sessions to acclimate to the new environment. Furniture has been moved in and installed. Even the aquarium care taker has been making preparations for the arrival of the new sea life.
North cooridor
The floor has been transformed into an elegant space not only for visitors but for the staff and, most importantly, for those receiving care. We would like to extend a special thanks to everyone who has been involved in this project and worked so hard for its success!
Patient room
Joe Novakoski, P.E., LEED A.P. Vice President / Senior PM
Track the Project’s Progress as the City Grows! Eighth Floor Elevator Lobby Inside Scoop | September 2013
Demolition
Rough-in
Drywall
Painting
Ceilings
Flooring
Casework
Furniture
Cooridor lighting
www.elzinga-volkers.com
Did You Know?
Studies have proved that the presence of an aquarium has a significant effect on reducing levels of stress and anxiety. What better place for this than a family waiting area! Accounts of some of the first aquariums with glass panes date back to 50AD in the Roman Empire. At the turn of the 12th century, a Chinese Emperor established a porcelain company that produced tubs for goldfish. These tubs were likely the origin of the shape for our modern gold-fish bowl. Aquariums became a fad in the UK during the mid-1800’s, but not until the widespread use of electricity did aquariums really develop. The introduction of air pumps, water filters and heat lamps gave way to a stable aquatic life, resulting in a broader tank-range of aquatic species. Today, the largest aquarium in the world is the Georgia Aquarium. It holds over 8.5 million gallons of fresh and marine water and houses around 120,000 animals spanning 500 different species!
The largest aquarium in the world, the Georgia Aquarium.
SPOTLIGHT This month’s spotlight goes to all of our project partners at the hospital. Many thanks to the nursing staff, maintenance team, facilities services, owners representative, I.T. dept. and housekeeping staff. Your hard work, diligence and patience during the 8 North renovation was critical to our success. We would not have been able to complete this project without you!