Photo courtesy LeChase Construction Services LLC

By reusing the store’s original roof and about half of its exterior walls, foundations and infrastructure, the team saved nearly one year of construction time and nearly 10% on costs. The shell’s 22-ft height also provided up to 9 ft of extra space for concealing MEP equipment above the ceiling.

Other parts of the mall remained safe and operational throughout construction.

Adapting space for medical use required removal of existing slabs; addition of supplemental steel to support the weight of medical equipment, piping, ductwork and infrastructure elements; reinforcement of the lightweight bar-joist roof structure with steel columns and beams to hang operating room booms; support of roof-mounted HVAC equipment; upgraded natural gas and electrical feeds; and installation of skylights for natural light in all areas.

After discovery of asbestos on bar joist paint in the mall’s former auto center, the space, now a loading dock and materials management area, was isolated until abatement finished. Combined buying power for key materials and equipment negated price and delivery issues. Long-lead, high-demand items such as roof insulation and MEP equipment were obtained early and stored off site, while early buy-out of trade packages protected the original budget from excessive material cost escalation. The efficient procurement strategy enabled the owner to add scope during the project.