This project posed many challenges. The schedule was very tight as the lease on the building of the existing Veterinary Hospital practice was soon to end. Two other buildings were taken through the entire schematic design process, which fell through for various reasons. And the deadline did not move. The location was great, but it’s a four story 100,000 SF office building with low floor to floor dimensions. High ceilings were out, and organizing the program on four floors as efficiently as possible for communication among the various specialty departments would prove difficult. And the deadline hadn’t moved, time was running out!
On the positive side, there were a lot of windows, as it was entirely glass facades. Due to the existing structural conditions, approximately 3,500 SF addition was required which included a larger elevator, new stairs, a shielded MRI and linear accelerator room which a 3rd floor terrace was built above for an exterior employee lounge and a pet relief area. In the end, the challenges were met and one of the largest Veterinary Hospitals in the nation opened its doors to treat one of the fastest growing family members…our pets.
