Meeting the Demands of a Growing Population
OHI previously operated a healthcare center at a former location in Toms River. However, the previous facility was not meeting the demands of the area’s growing population. After reflecting on the needs of their patients and the local community, OHI sought to relocate to a new location with increased space. The new facility is just two blocks from its former Lakehurst Road site.
It is nearly double its previous size and provides additional services and patient access. The relocation highlights OHI’s dedication to providing quality, accessible, and comprehensive primary health care to Ocean County, NJ residents, regardless of economic status.
Expanding Outpatient Space
The new medical office building combines familiar outpatient services with the latest healthcare technology. The project scope included constructing a two-story, 28,000-square-foot medical office building with a partial basement. The healthcare facility has 29 medical examination rooms, five dental suites, an on-site pharmacy, LabCorp Services, a panoramic X-ray, a laboratory, a staff gym, offices, reception areas, and patient waiting rooms.
The construction team built the exterior façade using a CLAD aluminum composite wall panel system, Stone Veneer, and insulated monolithic glass storefronts. Interior finishes included porcelain tile flooring, digital wallcoverings, and custom Corian worktables. The new facility’s design also called for a partial basement. Temporary bracing of basement walls allowed for early backfill and reduced deep excavation hazards. As a result, building access was improved.
Proximity to Surrounding Neighborhood
At the beginning of the project, the construction team identified several potential risks related to the site location and took immediate action to mitigate those risks. The team needed to ensure a clean, safe job site because the newly constructed medical office building was built next to a residential neighborhood. Residents expressed their concerns before the project even began. Wohlsen’s superintendent worked tirelessly to maintain relations with local residents and keep disruptions to an absolute minimum.
Additionally, the team had to remain flexible and adaptive to changes regarding logistics and material deliveries. Early in construction, deliveries were mixed up and directed to a different nearby healthcare center. All project team members collaborated by holding weekly pull planning meetings to solve this obstacle. This allowed the construction team and subcontractors to stay flexible and reactive, making the most available space.
Quality Healthcare Services
The new facility was delivered with OHI’s desire for the highest level of quality. A mock-up was created during the project to show the building’s exterior finishes. Field team members often referenced the mock-up to ensure a well-constructed building. Additionally, the overall quality was maintained on-site by the construction team, who walked subcontractors around the job site and clearly defined expectations for the finished product.
OHI’s vision lies in the elimination of all barriers preventing people from accessing the care they need. The newly constructed facility achieves this vision by offering local residents a broad range of healthcare services. These services include family and internal medicine, women’s health, pediatrics, dentistry, podiatry, chiropractors, behavioral health, social services, nutritional counseling, and on-site pharmacies. The new medical office building’s location, increased size, and array of services will serve the Toms River community and its surrounding areas for future generations.
