In their continued commitment to enhance the healthcare experience of all Lancaster County residents, Lancaster General Hospital recognized the need to expand and modernize their critical care patient units. Along with RTKL Architects, they developed a plan to fit-out existing shell spaces on the 5th & 6th floors of the Lime Street building. The 50,000 square foot project encompasses the entire 6th floor of the Lime Street building, and approximately 60% of the 5th floor. The patient centered design includes room for family members in all intensive care patient rooms, several areas for family waiting and private family consultation rooms.

The construction project commenced in August 2006, with an anticipated completion date of January 10, 2007 to allow the unit to be put into service on February 18, 2007. The project team was immediately confronted with the realization that there were existing occupied patient rooms immediately below the 5th floor, immediately above the 6th floor as well as a seven day a week physical therapy suite adjacent to the 5th floor. Being sandwiched between fully occupied areas necessitated special noise control considerations as well as the usual stringent infection control procedures. All existing utilities and services that were affected by the construction work had to be marked and Shutdown Requests issued to the hospital Plant Engineering Department, in order to research and make accommodations to keep the Hospital fully functioning at all times. Relocating utilities in the ceilings of the 4th and 5th floors of Lime Street occupied areas was a constant requirement.

As the project proceeded, it was Benchmark’s goal to complete the 17,000 square foot 5th floor early to allow all contractors to focus on completion of the 30,000 square foot 6th floor in order to complete the entire project by January 10, 2006. As staff members saw their new facilities taking shape, the hospital requested to occupy the 5th floor early. Benchmark and their team of subcontractors responded by completing the 5th floor NTICU early as the unit opened and the rooms were occupied with patients on November 20, 2006. As momentum built, the 6th floor was completed on December 22, 2006 and the unit went into service on January 18, 2007, a full month ahead of schedule.

Overcoming long material lead items, intricate wall and soffit layouts, complex existing and new utilities, difficult site access, a complete lack of any storage or lay down areas, Benchmark and its team of subcontractors and material suppliers successfully completed this high end state-of-the-art critical care unit ahead of schedule. The generously sized private rooms all provide a family area with sleeping amenities and private bathrooms. The ultimate acknowledgement of this successful project was the luncheon provided by the Lancaster General Hospital nursing staff for the entire construction force of approximately 140 men paid for by the nurses to thank the workers for their hard work, diligence and attention to quality. This recognition speaks volume for the success of the project.

Location: Lancaster, PA

Design Professionals: RTKL Architects & Barton Associates

Total SF: 50,000

Value: $9,720,080

Awards:  2007 ABC - Keystone Chapter AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Services Provided: Construction Management

"I enjoyed immensely working with the entire Benchmark Team. We all realized going into the project that to successfully complete it would require open and timely communication, excellent craftsmanship, team work, and adherence to the project schedule and budget. Not only can I attest to the fact that all these were met well above my expectations but also the Nurse Managers and staff and the patients that occupy the new rooms all have glowing comments about these new areas. The high quality demonstrated by Benchmark Construction throughout the project will set the standard for future intensive care patient room construction projects." - Mark Matuzak Project Manager Lancaster General Hospital