Renovation Without Interruption
Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, situated on a 400-acre campus in Wallingford, Connecticut, is internationally acclaimed for its extensive medical rehabilitation services to patients following acute illnesses, traumatic accidents, or other serious health events. A significant renovation project at the Institute for Advanced Rehabilitation, notably the Milne Center for Healthcare Innovation, required over 10,000 square feet of renovation. This project demanded a rigorous commitment to maintaining operational continuity in a fully functioning hospital setting. The project team, comprising Wohlsen Construction, Gaylord’s Facilities Department, and the Pomarico and CAMA design teams, had to meticulously coordinate preconstruction and construction activities, including scheduling, purchasing, safety, and overall planning. Their collaborative effort ensured that critical hospital operations remained uninterrupted while they replaced the library flooring, ceiling, and shelving, updated door hardware, installed a new two-story chandelier, and added a new projector screen in The Chapel. The project, completed in four phases over seven months, successfully upgraded all finishes in common areas while keeping essential facilities such as the library, elevators, and pool accessible. This renovation stands out for its seamless integration of construction within an operational healthcare environment, highlighting its significant impact on the Gaylord community.
From Concept to Completion
From day one, the project team focused on a plan that relied on communication and collaboration with Gaylord, underpinned by two core philosophies: no surprises and no silos. This approach involved providing ample, advanced notification for critical tasks, such as facility shutdowns, and ensuring that all stakeholders – from the design team to engineers, vendors, trade partners, and municipal officials – were included in all conversations. As a result, the team met schedule milestones and proactively explored opportunities for acceleration. Wohlsen provided regular updates and flagged potential impacts immediately to avoid delays. The team procured materials and offered acceptable substitutes when necessary, protecting the project’s critical path and achieving Gaylord’s budget objectives with minimized change orders. The venture to renovate The Institute for Advanced Rehabilitation in Wallingford stands out in its purpose, successful project delivery model, and long-term impact on the Gaylord community. Wohlsen is humbled to have played a key role in welcoming this new chapter in Gaylord’s remarkable history.
Efficiency in Action
As a theory, strict project management sounds reasonable, but what does it look like on-site? Wohlsen Construction collaborated with the client and design team to turn concepts into tangible results. The project team focused on immediate obstacles while preserving long-term goals, using a “24-hour” policy to address issues promptly. They managed field challenges within tight execution windows, ensuring long lead items like Rulon wall slats and specialty light fixtures arrived on schedule. This efficient project management and strong partnership allowed the team to tackle additional scope within the original schedule and budget, including installing a two-story chandelier, updating common areas, and enhancing other key areas.
Patient-Centered Construction
Delivering preconstruction and construction tasks on time and within budget, even with additional scope, is a significant achievement, but it is rendered moot without proper execution. At Wohlsen, we took pride in leading the project team and collaborating closely with the Town of Wallingford’s Building Officials and Fire Marshal to ensure Gaylord’s campus safety remained a top priority throughout the construction. Adhering to ICRA standards and Gaylord’s Vendor Guidelines for Health and Safety ensured efficient operations – using portable air scrubbers and routinely changing filters to meet healthcare standards – and contributed to the project’s success by creating a safe patient environment. Clear barriers and construction limits, including temporary walls, doors, and clean room areas, helped minimize disruptions to the daily hospital operations. Continuous communication with Gaylord staff – from facilities to medical teams – was essential, translating our commitment to health and safety into a project that ultimately enhanced patient care and overall success.
© Caryn B. Davis Photography
