The Franciscan Hospital for Children (FHFC) unveiled the new Kennedy Day School recently- at a ribbon cutting ceremony. Built by Nauset Construction and designed by architectural firm Drummey Rosane Anderson, Inc. (DRA), the 21,000 s/f addition was adjoined to the existing building, adding active classrooms and administrative space to the facility, which has served children with a variety of disabilities for over 60 years. The $6.5 million fast-track, urban design-build project was completed in just over 16 months in a occupied and operational medical environment.
"When working in an occupied facility, it's important to coordinate with the administration and staff to ensure that their operations can continue to run smoothly while we're getting our job done," said Anthony Papantonis, president of Nauset Const.
"A tight collaboration between FHFC, DRA and Nauset proved to be critical in the team's ability to overcome inherent project challenges including financial constraints, permitting and programming. This project exemplifies what we consider to be our niche, upgrading existing sensitive, occupied environments with minimal disruptions to building occupants."
Constructed to blend seamlessly with the existing structure, this new two-story, handicapped-friendly facility adjoins the hospital and features ten additional classrooms, a vocational skills center, a sensory-motor suite, culinary arts kitchens, an assistive technology lab and office space. From the specially-cushioned, sheet-vinyl flooring used to minimize injury in the case of a fall; to the lift track systems used to facilitate the movement of children throughout the space; new, innovative technologies allow these children to experience learning like any other child while tending to their special needs. Wide hallways, slip-resistant flooring, automatic doors, interior handrails and the addition of an oversized elevator provide for a safe and easy passage in and around the school and adjacent hospital.
"This is our third collaboration with Nauset on a design/build project, and we're virtually functioning as one team at this point," said Vladimir Lyubetsky, project manager for DRA. "Their construction managers anticipate changes very well and that allows us to produce workable construction documents in an efficient manner."
"This project will improve the educational experience for the dozens of students with special needs who attend the Kennedy Day School everyday," said Franciscan Hospital for Children CEO, Donna Polselli. "The new building will provide the children with larger, more flexible classrooms and enhanced programming opportunities, including a sensory motor room; vocational training space; adaptive technology center, culinary arts, and vision services."