- Corridors
- Kitchens
- Reception areas
- Patient rooms
- Community center
- Entrance
Transforming WEL Main Line: A Journey of Innovation and Care
Planning for the transformation of Wesley Enhanced Living (WEL) Main Line began in 2017, with RLPS Architects leading the redesign and Wohlsen joining to spearhead the preconstruction activities. Construction kicked off in April of 2019, encompassing extensive renovations across all four areas of the facility. This included asbestos abatement, complete removal and re-roofing of the community center, eleven apartment buildings, the personal care facility, and the skilled nursing facility. Remarkably, all construction activities were carried out while the facility remained fully occupied, presenting unique challenges in safety, logistics, and coordination. The project team had to meticulously plan each phase to minimize disruption and ensure the safety of all residents, staff, and visitors. This careful planning and execution were critical to the project’s success.
Phased Renovation Approach for Continuous Operation
The WEL Main Line project excelled in maintaining operations while ensuring the safety and comfort of residents, staff, and visitors. It involved multiple strategically coordinated phases to ensure continuous access to all areas. Monthly QA/QC meetings, particularly focused on the skilled nursing building, ensured adherence to Department of Health guidelines. The renovation of the skilled nursing facility was particularly noteworthy, involving the complete demolition and removal of the center core area to create a new living room and spa area. Corridors were refurbished, and resident rooms were gutted and renovated with new floors, lighting, bathroom fixtures, and refinished walls and ceilings. A new nurse call system was also added mid-project. The renovation process was carefully phased, with rooms renovated in blocks and submitted for review and inspection before being placed back in circulation. This phased approach allowed for continuous operation of the facility while ensuring that each area met the highest standards of quality and safety. The new living spaces provided a significant improvement in the quality of life for residents.
Value Analysis and Management to Meet the Budget
Through Wohlsen’s comprehensive value analysis and management process, 72 items were identified for consideration including mechanical systems, finishes, and more. Of these, 41 items were accepted and value analysis continued as the project progressed.
The Wohlsen team worked diligently to identify purchase contingency that yielded savings that allowed the team to add items back into the scope of work that WEL desired but could not afford with the original budget. Examples included the Nurse Call system, new flooring for the first floor of the eleven apartment building, a new terrace/patio, a new kitchen floor, new kitchen exhaust hoods, and HVAC equipment.
Achieving Substantial Completion Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
While the project was initially set to finish in May 2020, it was delayed by two months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Work halted for a week after the first positive case presented itself, then resumed safely with strict protocols, including hand-washing stations, temperature scans by registered WEL nurses at the beginning and end of each day, and a daily questionnaire. As many trades personnel were hesitant to return to work, additional personnel were brought on site. While the team worked adamantly on bringing the new crew up to speed on the project, government regulations called for a complete shutdown of all non-essential businesses – causing many of the valuable suppliers, second-tier subcontractors, and materials and services to be put on hold. After many discussions and collaborating with trade partners, the businesses slowly reopened, materials were delivered, and the project received the Certificate of Substantial Completion on July 1st. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the team showed exceptional dedication, completing the project with high satisfaction from both the client and architect.
Outstanding Craftsmanship: The Key to Raving Fans
The Wesley Enhanced Living Main Line renovation project stands as a testament to excellence in construction, with a beautifully designed and well-constructed facility. The collaborative effort, detailed scheduling, and extreme attention to quality control ensured the project’s success and produced an extremely satisfied client. A unique discovery during construction—a piece of floor with an old hopscotch game—was preserved and framed as a gift to WEL Main Line, symbolizing the building’s history as a former school. This project exemplifies outstanding craftsmanship and the successful relationship between Wesley Enhanced Living, RLPS Architects, and Wohlsen.
