Running the Survey

Mitchell County Hospital is serious about the healthcare it provides to north central Kansas residents. The hospital recently asked the Hutton team and the architect to perform several renovations and additions while keeping all of the hospital’s functions and services available during the 18-month construction period. This achievement is one we are proud of and was made possible by early collaboration with all involved in order to create a phased plan for the construction. No function of the hospital or care was compromised during the multi-phased process. The kitchen and dining room renovation alone was split into four phases in order to keep both areas open at all times.

Laying the Foundation

The success of the phased construction plan at Mitchell County Hospital would not have happened without the communication and participation of the contractor, subcontractors, architect and owner. Phasing a hospital project means that departments have to relocate to another space during their phase of construction, while maintaining all of their services in the temporary space. Early collaboration from all parties is one of the greatest values derived from a Construction Management at Risk project. Early logistical issue planning and cost savings are valuable benefits of this project method.

The Finishing Touches

Hutton built several temporary walls to divide the construction area from the functioning hospital to reduce noise and dust and ensure safety. Several of the Mitchell County Hospital staff commented how well the walls worked, saying at times they even forgot there was construction going on. Unique and purposeful finishes were chosen for the hospital, such as a tranquil carpet that was used in main corridors and hallways to generate a warm, quiet healing environment. Striking blue-lit glass features at nurses' stations and at hallway intersections were used to provide a clean, modern feel to the space. Post-rock fence posts, a distinctive feature of the area, were cut into slabs and used on the façade of the gift shop.