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Harder Hall
Harder Hall Health Care is a comprehensive renovation and expansion of an existing hall to accommodate modern health care functions. The project includes reworking interior layouts to suit clinical use, upgrading finishes and systems, and adapting the structure to meet contemporary standards for medical care and patient comfort. The design maintains the character of the original building where possible, while integrating new elements—such as expanded spaces for patient care, new support areas, updated waiting and circulation zones, and improvements to accessibility and daylighting—to bring the facility up to present-day expectations for both staff and patients.
Construction & Renovation Experience
On the construction side, the project required careful phasing to keep portions of the building operational (if applicable) or to minimize disruptions when fully closed. Renovation of structural components was necessary in some areas—reinforcing floors or roof assemblies, removing or relocating load-bearing walls, upgrading existing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems to handle higher loads and modern medical equipment. There was coordination needed for specialized clinic-grade finishes, infection control surfaces, lighting and ventilation upgrades, and possibly code compliance in fire safety, accessibility (ADA), and life-safety systems. Integration of new systems with old also required testing, tweaking, and ensuring compatibility, especially where legacy construction intersects with new interventions. Trades like cabinetry, millwork, flooring, HVAC, barrier walls, medical gas (if applicable), and custom fixture installation would all play key roles. Attention to building envelope, sealing, insulation, and perhaps window replacement would also help improve energy performance and occupant comfort.
Impact & Benefits
The renovation yields significant benefits: patients receive care in more functional, safer, and more comfortable spaces; healthcare staff operate in environments better suited for their work—less downtime, better logistics, improved lighting, air, and acoustics. The project also extends the life of an existing building rather than building anew, which tends to conserve resources and reduce waste. By upgrading infrastructure and systems, maintenance and operational costs should decrease over the long run. From a community perspective, having modern health care services in a rehabilitated facility helps restore confidence, accessibility, and safety, particularly if the building was aging or underperforming. Improved accessibility and patient flow make the facility more inclusive; updated health codes and better infection control contribute to public health outcomes.
