St Elizabeth Rehabilitation & Nursing Center
Renovating the public areas of an occupied building is always challenging, but doing so throughout a multi-story structure occupied by the elderly and their caretakers is particularly so. Virtually every finish material for the renovation was either custom made for the project or purchased from vendors throughout the United States and Europe. The design intent for the renovations was that newly installed entryways into the resident rooms, hallways, and common areas would resemble their former homes and to create “neighborhoods” where the elders reside in a “person first” environment. Seven different pediment entries were all custom fabricated and received a different painted finish to create the appearance of a “neighborhood”. Work was completed to the resident entries and corridors without need for a single resident relocation. Each of the corridors was completely renovated with new wall coverings, new drywall bulkheads, and custom-designed residential-style lighting.
The existing nurses’ stations were converted to gathering areas, and custom built-in charting/med stations were relocated to newly created recesses within the corridors. CAM’s forces completely renovated the two day rooms on each floor, leaving one operational while the other was under construction. Warming kitchens were renovated and a new scullery to serve the kitchens constructed without interrupting meal service. Four bathing facilities on each floor were completely renovated with custom made, onsite cut, European ceramic tile, residential style lighting, towel warmers, and new bathing equipment
Elevator lobbies and common areas throughout the resident floors, as well as the main lobby, with its connecting hallways, were renovated without interruption to the daily activities of the facility. Work was conducted in multiple phases, day rooms were relocated, and the challenge of a schedule was slowed so as not to engender anxiety among the residents; all of these tasks were ably handled by CAM forces.
One particular challenge was the fact that the originally contracted design team defaulted as the project began, making CAM the de facto design/builder for the project.
The second part of CAM’s contract included the construction of the new outdoor pavilion directly adjacent the roadway leading to St Elizabeth’s main entry, which is used for parties and entertainment for the residents and their families. This new custom-built structure provides a sheltered area for entertainment and respite.
Holy Angels Catholic School at Seton Keough High School
CAM was employed as the CMaR to convert a portion of the Seton Keough High School into the new Holy Angels Catholic School to quickly accommodate the relocated pre-school, kindergarten, and/or elementary school children. CAM met their commitment to working within the stringent deadline of less than 2 months for opening the new school.
While few exterior modifications were required, the entire new school needed to be separated from the high school’s interior, complete with fire separations and fire alarm upgrades throughout. Asbestos needed to be abated, classrooms and restrooms needed to be created or modified, and new restrooms were added to meet the needs of the new elementary and pre-school students.
The seven existing “gang” restrooms were completely gutted and reconstructed with all new fixtures, partitions, and accessories, and ceramic tile floors installed. The administrative area for the high school needed a facelift, and a portion of the former convent was also renovated for use as office space.
New administrative offices were constructed to accommodate the Holy Angels Catholic School staff. and a new Health Suite was constructed to serve both schools. CAM renovated two existing classrooms for use as a Computer Lab and Library and also added air conditioning to the space, while several of the existing rooms were converted for use as Pre-K and K classrooms. All new IT cabling and systems were installed throughout the school, and fire separations were constructed at both the corridors and all staircases to meet new fire code regulations. Additional fire alarm work needed to receive a certificate of occupancy and was added to the scope during the course of the renovation.
CAM was also charged with adding onto work that had already been designed and at an increase of more than 40% if the cost of the original project in added scope or work were necessary due to the discovery of unforeseen conditions. These tasks were all completed without the ability to add time to an already foreshortened schedule. For example, previously unforeseen asbestos-containing materials were abated under full containment regulations as an addition to CAM’s scope of work.
The existing school structure now has two separate and secure entries, one for each of the schools, as well as distinctly different classrooms, administrative areas, restrooms, etc., and it is able to share the auditorium and athletic facilities without interrupting the curriculum of either schools.
Although classes end in June each year, a school remains occupied throughout the summer break, and CAM was able to complete their work throughout all three floors of the building without adversely impacting the school’s summer schedule. CAM’s commitment to “doing what it takes” to meet a schedule was once again demonstrated when the staff and students returned on time to the newly renovated schools.
LSOP St. Martin’s Home
In early summer 2007, CAM was retained by the Little Sisters of the Poor as a Construction and Design Advisor for the construction of their new 180,000-200,000 square foot Provincial Home, one of only three in the US, serving the needs of the 80 residents, 20 Sisters, and the needs of the entire Eastern Province for the order.
Originally accepting the role as owner’s expert construction advisor, CAM would have been precluded from constructing the facility. Throughout more than 18 months of regularly scheduled design and planning meetings, CAM was an integral part of all discussions regarding programming, materials selections, budgets, cost analysis, parallel estimates, and value engineering. At CAM’s urging and advice, environmentally conscious materials and green building techniques were incorporated into the plans and program for the new structure. Plans for the new structure were halted at 100% design development drawings, and the Little Sisters of the Poor elected to renovate their existing occupied facility, hiring CAM as the Design/Build Construction Manager at Risk for the project. This faith-based home has required extensive pre-construction work to allow it to proceed to final design and construction, all completed at the originally quoted price. Multiple phases of construction have been added as contributions have been received to allow the project to proceed.
CAM aided the Sisters in preparation of an RFP for design services and selection of the team to complete this multi-year, multi-phased project. Challenges that CAM has overcome during this project include providing for independent and assisted living needs as well as those requiring skilled nursing care, with a convent for the Sisters themselves, while constantly evaluating cost and durability.
The 200,000 sq. ft. renovation project is planned for at least five phases, three of which are completed, including the complete design, the chiller replacement, and most currently, the renovation of four “cottages” totaling 56,000 sq. ft. as well as the renovations to 22,000 sq. ft. of the lower level’s laundry wing, boiler wing, corridors, and cottage mechanical rooms.
Phase IV work will renovate the large chapel, the convent, and the Postulate. Future plans include renovations to major administrative areas, creation of a new Main Street, and the balance of the lower level.
Like many faith-based retirement communities, St. Martin’s Home includes a chapel, an auditorium, dining rooms, a commercial kitchen and laundry, administrative areas that were quite expensive, a medical suite, offices for Social Services and physical therapy, a publication office, and a planned “Main Street” area, which contains resident amenities such as a game room, beauty salon, and gift shop. Construction costs for the complete renovation project are estimated at approximately $25 million.
Patuxent Institution – Kitchen and Perimeter Security
CAM successfully managed the renovations and new construction at this fully occupied, medium-security facility within the 40-acre security fencing. The project included construction of seven separate buildings, many of which were phased, occupied renovations, where CAM maintained excellent owner interaction to ensure uninterrupted facility use.
The seven-phase project within an occupied, operational correctional facility included importation and placement of more than 115,000 cubic yards of fill, installation of 7,000 lineal feet of 16-foot-high, double correctional facility fencing, a new sallyport, and two new 40-foot-tall brick, block, and concrete guard towers.
Renovations and construction also included new asphalt-paved parking for 700 vehicles, a 14,000-square foot visitors center and gatehouse, a 4,000 square-foot addition to an existing building, a and fully equipped, 15,000-square foot kitchen which, with its $1.5 million in detention-approved kitchen equipment, is operated in part by prisoners.
Building construction is brick, block, and concrete. This multi-phase, multiple-building project, within an occupied area, is evidentiary of CAM’s capabilities and represents one of the successful projects completed by the CAM/Bushey Feight Morin team.
Maryland Golf & Country Club
CAM was selected to provide Construction Management at Risk services for this multi-phased renovation and addition project. Services included: assistance with development of a long-range master plan, completion of a constructability study and associated value engineering, and selection of the Architect/Engineer team to implement the plans for renovating and adding to this fully occupied facility.
Renovations included expansion of the Ballroom, construction of the new locker room, expanded Golf Shops, and new Cart and Club Storage areas. Entries were required to remain open and operational in order for the Club to continue serving its members.
Value engineering efforts by CAM provided significant savings of approximately $300,000 from the original budget for the project.
Bid packages were developed to avoid duplication of work by the trades, the project was bid by multiple qualified trade contractors, and the renovations and additions were completed under CAM’s supervision. All work was completed while the facility remained fully occupied by members and guests, and the club’s calendar was not adversely affected by the multiple phased construction efforts.
Due to its complex phasing within the occupied facility and the high level of finishes required by country club construction, the project was recognized with an ABC Baltimore award for construction excellence.
Martin’s Eastwind
The project at Martins Eastwind involved a transformation of a hall into a gorgeous, French, contemporary mansion.
The job involved the complete makeover of the exterior façade of a building that was heavily used for catering functions. Great care had to be taken during the building process to provide for the ongoing daily functions at the facility.
Specifically, the job used dryvit on the exterior surface to begin the conversion. The look was enhanced with the addition of many ornate elements, including special column pilasters with scamazzi capitols. Balustrades adorn the roof, with urns adding to the visual appeal.
Windowing required special attention since many of the windows added have no access from the inside of the building. CAM devised an ingenious anchor system to allow for easy window removal in the event of a breakage. The windows were aluminum-clad wood with spandril glass, which enhances the mansion’s exterior.
Despite 60 holes being drilled into the roof to accommodate the transformation, and 3 months of rain inside, operations proceeded without disruption.
1820 Lancaster Street – Union Box Co. Building
CAM Construction provided construction management and design/build services to Mason Dixon Capital Management for Lancaster Square in Fells Point. Savings of over 5% were achieved by utilizing the Construction Management Guaranteed Maximum Price delivery method. CAM utilized a value engineering process that permitted the project to proceed on a fast track basis to meet the developer’s needs.
The Lancaster Square renovation consisted of a group of five separate structures originally built in the 1880s and varying significantly in construction materials and floor plate elevations. The main building, The Union Box Co., is a timber-framed, three-story, 16,000-square foot brick warehouse. The other buildings are a two-story, steel-framed building, a two-story steel- and wood-framed building, and a 3-story brick townhouse.
Among the main challenges to this project was integration of the five structures into a single cohesive development while completely renovating the existing structures. The project called for major restoration including extensive masonry cleaning and re-pointing as well as cleaning and sealing the wood beams. The integration of the five structures unified 12 different roof elevations all of which were re-roofed and to which several large wood decks were added. Approximately 120 historic windows were replaced as part of the renovation.
Both a new five-story and three-story elevator shaft were installed within the existing footprint of the building. The project also added three stair towers, two of which were steel, and one was a concrete scissor stair.
As a part of the redevelopment, CAM constructed a three-story, light gauge addition between two irregularly shaped brick walls to integrate the structures. The project added another three-story addition that provides space for 10 luxury apartments atop the existing two-story structure.
At the main entrance a railroad motif with asphalt brick pavers, solid maple ties and stainless steel tracks lead visitors and residents from Lancaster Street to inside the Union Box Co. building. Once inside, the building glass walls seamlessly interface with the large wood timbers and provide aisles and office space while maintaining the historical character of the building. The apartment entrance is accessed through a large teak door flanked by tubular steel frames with stainless steel rods and an illuminated barrel vault canopy awning. The teak door gate is electronically interlocked with a secondary all-aluminum entrance at the other end of the courtyard, providing security for the apartment residents.
Lakeland Elementary/Middle School
The project was a multi phased renovation to renovate an existing 40,000 sq. ft. Baltimore City School and to bring its programs, life safety and major systems up to current standards. Work included renovations to the 1965 structure, a 40,000 sq. ft. fifteen classroom and media wing addition with ancillary spaces, brick masonry restoration and an addition to the gymnasium and kitchen.
All major systems were removed and updated, as were all finishes. The new elevator was installed within the confines of the existing building, providing a challenge to complete the work in confined quarters. Once the project was fully underway, foundations for the new addition poured and shop drawings submitted BCPS elected to triple the size of the new addition.
CAM worked with the School Board on a CM basis to revise all pricing, complete programming, make proper changes to the building and to let contracts in the approved amount which would increase the size and value of the addition.
Italian Sensations
This project consisted a tenant fit-out of a 3,000-sq. foot space at the Green Briar Plaza.
This empty space was transformed into an exciting Italian eatery with strong red and green accents.
Upon entering Italian Sensations, your attention is drawn to the extensive use of architectural drywall bulkheads with interesting built-ins. Over the eating area is an interesting, stepped bulkhead in the shape of an octagon. The bulkhead over the counter features hand-brushed, stenciled paneling.
The counter is composed of a rich black Corian counter with a stainless steel display. The countertop also features a brilliant display of architectural overlapping copper plates. This counter encircles the full service commercial kitchen responsible for the fine Italian delicacies.
The centerpiece of the eating area is a series of circular, cone-shaped benches that were fabricated out of hardwood veneer in the field. These benches also feature wainscoting and ceramic tile border accents.
Throughout the facility is architectural and drop-down lighting over a patterned ceramic tile floor.
