RESTORE AMBULANCE BAY
CLIENT: Edward J. Hines Jr. VA Hospital
LOCATION: Chicago, IL
PROJECT STATUS: Completed (September 2020)
PURPOSE: The Department of Veterans Affairs needed to redesign and construct a new ambulance bay and front entrance vestibule at the Edward J. Hines Jr. VA Hospital. The existing 10-year-old design was deficient and required complete transformation into a durable, high-functioning, and modern medical access point that would serve Veterans for decades to come.
Richard's mission was to upgrade site utilities, mechanical systems, and architectural finishes while dramatically improving patient and staff safety, ADA accessibility, and environmental sustainability. As the prime contractor on this $1.6 million design-build effort, Richard needed to demolish the outdated temporary ambulance bay and construct a new steel vestibule with masonry stone, seamlessly tying it into the existing hospital infrastructure.
The goal was to create a modern, efficient entry point that would enhance the arrival experience for Veterans accessing emergency and routine medical care.
CHALLENGE:
Deficient Existing Design: The 10-year-old ambulance bay design was fundamentally flawed, requiring complete redesign and reconstruction rather than simple renovation—a much more complex undertaking than originally anticipated.
Major Scope Changes: The project experienced a 25% change in scope, requiring reclassification from design-bid-build to design-build, which demanded rapid adaptation of project management and delivery methods.
Complex Site Conditions: Four major contract modifications were necessary due to differing site conditions and client-driven changes, including foundation redesign, relocation of underground utilities, and added concrete surfacing requirements.
Concurrent Project Management: Richard executed this critical project while simultaneously managing 25 other active projects, requiring exceptional resource allocation and coordination capabilities.
Operational Continuity: Maintaining full hospital operations and emergency access during demolition and construction of the primary ambulance entrance required precise phasing and coordination with medical staff.
In-House Design Responsibility: Performing 100% of design services in-house while managing construction required integrated project delivery and rapid decision-making capabilities.
OUTCOME:
Accelerated Delivery: Richard completed the project two months early through strategic weekend and off-hour work, minimizing disruption to hospital operations.
Enhanced Patient Safety: The new ambulance bay and entrance vestibule dramatically improved patient and staff safety with modern design standards and ADA accessibility features.
Exceptional Project Management: Successfully managed four major contract modifications and complex site conditions while maintaining project momentum and quality standards.
Design-Build Excellence: Delivered 100% of design services in-house, ensuring seamless integration between design intent and construction execution.
Strong Performance Recognition: Received accolades from the Department of Veterans Affairs for outstanding project delivery and coordination.
Modern Infrastructure: Veterans and emergency responders now benefit from a durable, high-functioning medical access point with upgraded utilities, mechanical systems, and sustainable finishes.
Operational Success: Maintained full hospital emergency access throughout construction while delivering a facility designed to serve the medical needs of Veterans for decades to come.
