Recycling big-box retail into sustainable healthcare space

Deconstructing a facility can present more challenges than starting from scratch

By Healthcare Facilities Today


When Kaiser Permanente decided to open a medical office building in Portland, Ore., — and had committed the reuse of existing structures where possible - a former Circuit City store fit the bill.

The 32,000-square-foot structure in the Gateway neighborhood of East Portland was convenient with easy access to public transportation. Kaiser Permanente purchased the property out of receivership in 2010.

Kaiser Permanente’s move also supported Portland’s own strategy for the neighborhood, identified as one of five “eco districts” in the city that have been established through a coordinated effort between public and private entities to foster sustainable development practices through collaborative community partnerships, According to an article on the Healthcare Design magazine website.

A Portland-based project team of Soderstrom Architects (architecture, interiors, and sustainability design), Mazzetti (mechanical, electrical, and sustainability engineering), TM Rippey (structural and civil engineering), and Andersen Construction (general contracting) was assembled to tackle the goal of converting the big-box site into a more sustainable structure with LEED for Healthcare (LEED-HC) certification. The project presented challenges to the team as they determined what exactly they had to work with.

Read the article and view the photo gallery.

 



September 17, 2013


Topic Area: Energy Efficiency


Recent Posts

Elevating EVS Professionals: The Case for Certified Hygiene Specialists

Workers cleaning patient rooms are not simply improving appearance. They are reducing bioburden and protecting human health.


Global Handwashing Day and the Importance of Well-Maintained Restrooms

A recent handwashing survey found that Americans value clean restrooms and touchless fixtures.


Duke Health and CaroMont Health Partner to Develop Two New Hospitals

CaroMont Health and Duke Health anticipate a decision by the end of March 2027.


Designing for the Psychology of Waiting

A well-designed waiting room does more than fill time — it eases the patient experience and creates a more functional healthcare environment.


UT Health Sciences Breaks Ground on College of Medicine Interdisciplinary Building

Construction is expected to be substantially completed in 2029, with full occupancy by 2030.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.