BloodCenter of Wisconsin
About the projects:
a) Renovation of BloodCenter’s Diagnostic Labs
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Project Size: 50,000 SF phased renovation
Services Provided: Program/Project Management
Program Components:
• Diagnostic laboratories
• Associated office and support space
b) Expansion and Renovation of BloodCenter’s Blood Research Institute
Location: Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Project Size: 39,000 SF addition and 10,000 SF renovation
Services Provided: Program/Project Management
Program Components:
• Blood Research Institute laboratories
• Associated office and support space
• Additional conference/seminar space
• Donor center expansion/renovation
• Comprehensive Center for Bleeding Disorders expansion/renovation
• New campus tunnel connection
• 45 additional onsite parking spaces
Client
BloodCenter of Wisconsin was founded in 1947 by the Milwaukee Junior League as a not-for-profit, community-based blood bank. It is now the sole supplier of blood and blood products to 51 Wisconsin hospitals in 24 counties with a staff of nearly 800. Since its inception, BloodCenter has evolved into a multi-faceted, world-renowned institution focused on blood collection, testing, treatment and research. Internationally acclaimed, BloodCenter of Wisconsin is one of only four blood centers in the world with a significant blood research program, the Blood Research Institute which is located on the campus of the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center (MRMC) in Wauwatosa.
Need
To improve customer service and extend its continuum of care, BloodCenter needed to renovate its downtown Milwaukee Diagnostics Laboratories and renovate/expand its highly acclaimed Blood Research Institute. Due to the large volume of specialized tests developed and performed on patient samples collected worldwide each day, BloodCenter’s laboratories had to be completely operational throughout the entire renovation process.
With limited internal resources to manage both projects properly, BloodCenter sought the expertise of Hammes Company after learning about similar work Hammes had done for the American Red Cross blood processing centers and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Based on Hammes Company’s track record of proven successes, BloodCenter was confident it would be a good fit for their projects.
Solutions
a) Diagnostic Laboratories Renovation
In keeping with BloodCenter’s goal to avoid disruption of operations at the facility, Hammes Company devised a plan that allowed construction to proceed and the laboratories to remain open. The renovation of 50,000 SF of diagnostic laboratories was divided into four phases over a period of 22 months without losing lab functionality.
Although BloodCenter was already working with a local architectural firm on the renovation design, Hammes Company managed the process by reviewing and organizing the designs to ensure that maximum flexibility was achieved, and the project remained within budget. In addition, plans were put into place to significantly upgrade the existing emergency power system to ensure uninterrupted production and distribution of blood products to area hospitals.
With the final program and design in place, Hammes Company then assisted BloodCenter with the selection of additional project development team members.
b) Blood Research Institute Expansion and Renovation
With a Master Facility Plan for the expansion already in place, Hammes Company helped the BloodCenter define the scope of the renovation project to ensure that strategic goals and objectives were met. It was determined that a complete renovation/expansion of both the onsite Donor Center and the Comprehensive Center for Bleeding Disorders was a substantial part of the plan.
Hammes Company helped BloodCenter establish the proper program and scope of project including new lab and office/support space for nine additional research investigators, three new conference rooms, a seminar room which seats 120, and a new tunnel connection to link the Blood Research Institute to the rest of the MRMC campus.
Hammes Company moved the project to the next stage by hiring an architect and general contractor for the expansion and renovation of the Blood Research Institute and played a key role in finalizing the designs for the 39,000 SF expansion, and 10,000 SF renovation. By working closely with the architect and overseeing the entire development of the project, the Hammes Company team ensured that it followed budget and schedule parameters.
Results
a) Diagnostic Laboratories Renovation
Through programming assistance and diligent project management, Hammes Company saved BloodCenter over $700,000 – which was used to help fund the emergency power upgrade. Additional benefits include:
- Increased the overall lab space available, giving current programs the room to grow and space for new programs to be developed
- Maximized flexibility by utilizing the “open lab” design with easily modified lab casework, allowing reconfiguration of the laboratory space as needs change and evolve
- Completed the project on schedule without disruption to existing programs or service
b) Blood Research Institute Expansion and Renovation
The addition to the Blood Research Institute at the MRMC increased the facility by 39,000 SF to a 94,000 SF building providing the Institute room for its planned growth over the next eight years. Additional benefits include:
- Identification of the right team to implement the BloodCenter’s strategic vision
- Managed the preliminary cost studies and design process keeping the project within budget
- Optimized use of the existing site through the program and planning process
- Identified issues with original Vivarium program; negotiated an alternate solution
- Completed the project on schedule with no departmental disruption during construction