MRI SUITE BUILDOUT
CLIENT: Edward J. Hines VAMC
LOCATION: Chicago, IL
PROJECT STATUS: Completed (October 2018)
PURPOSE: The Department of Veterans Affairs needed to renovate 6,100 square feet across multiple floors of Building 200 at Edward J. Hines VAMC to create a new MRI suite, administrative offices, patient rooms, and support areas. The project required demolishing an existing oncology clinic and performing phased new construction, including significant MEP, IT, and structural work.
Richard's mission was to transform the old oncology center into a state-of-the-art MRI suite and patient-focused care environment while maintaining hospital operations. The facility also served as a main IT corridor, requiring exceptionally high levels of coordination with ongoing medical services. The goal was to provide Veterans with enhanced diagnostic capabilities through modern MRI technology in an improved patient care environment.
CHALLENGE:
Critical Structural Modifications: The most complex challenge involved a 72-hour continuous shift demolition of two 18-inch structural walls to allow MRI magnet transport, followed by precise reassembly of the building envelope—all while maintaining building integrity and safety.
Occupied Space Coordination: Performing demolition, infection control, and phased construction around occupied corridors required meticulous planning to ensure zero disruption to ongoing patient care and hospital operations.
High-Risk IT Infrastructure: The facility served as a main IT corridor, requiring high-risk IT rerouting and coordination to maintain critical hospital communication systems throughout construction.
Enhanced Design Integration: Mid-project design enhancements to improve patient comfort and accessibility, including an expanded scan room and specialty lighting, required seamless integration without impacting timeline or budget.
Complex Systems Integration: Installing new fire protection, HVAC tied to the JCI Metasys system, telecom infrastructure, medical gases, and anti-microbial interior finishes required precise coordination of multiple specialized systems.
OUTCOME:
Ahead of Schedule Delivery: Richard completed the project three weeks ahead of schedule despite the complex structural modifications and enhanced design requirements.
Perfect Safety Record: The team achieved zero safety incidents throughout the entire project, including during the high-risk 72-hour continuous demolition phase.
Enhanced Patient Experience: The new MRI suite features improved patient comfort and accessibility with an expanded scan room, specialty lighting, and patient-focused design elements.
Exceptional Performance Recognition: The Department of Veterans Affairs awarded Richard an "Exceptional" CPARS rating for outstanding project execution and coordination.
Seamless Operations Integration: Successfully maintained all hospital operations, IT systems, and patient care services throughout the renovation without disruption.
Advanced Diagnostic Capabilities: Veterans now have access to state-of-the-art MRI technology in a modern, comfortable environment designed specifically for their care needs.
