Health & Medical

Located in the Northwest Michigan Surgery Center at Copper Ridge in Traverse City, the 8,000 sq. ft. facility, an affiliate of Munson Healthcare Radiology, sets a new standard for breast health services in Northern Michigan.

The center was designed specifically to enhance patient comfort, privacy and peace of mind. The Smith Family Breast Health Center offers screening, testing, biopsies, and educational information in a state-of-the-art comforting setting. A boutique is also incorporated into the suite which allows patients to shop in privacy.

The focal point of the space is the patient registration desk and patient and family waiting areas which feature maple paneling and trim, textured glass curved walls, and three back-lit false skylights in the raised ceiling.

The build-out presented Hallmark Construction and the construction team with many unique challenges. The largest challenge involved the scheduling, sequencing, and logistical obstacles presented by working in a fully functioning surgical facility.

The second floor space is located directly above completed operating rooms which were in use during the entire six-month construction period.

Hallmark Construction broke ground on a new Health Department facility for Grand Traverse County in October of 2011. Construction of the new 35,000 square foot, Heath Department provides a wide variety of programs and services for residents of Grand Traverse County. The project was designed and constructed using the model for LEED Certified guidelines. 

The project consisted of clearing and grading the 20 acre site as well as installing a retention pond. Two separate parking lots for staff and customers were constructed as well. A unique feature of the new building is the Emergency Operations Center which will be used for training exercises and as a designated response center for local police, fire, medical, public health, hospital, state and federal agencies. Personal offices and conference areas are spread throughout the building, as well as a cafeteria and break area in the lower level of the building. The facility also created more space for Dental Clinics North, a separate entity which partners with the Health Department and serves approximately 6,000 individuals annually. 

The building’s outer walls were constructed using ICF blocks. ICF or Insulated Concrete Forms are assembled much like Legos. Once in place their cores are filled with concrete which creates a wall that is up to 10 times stronger than wood framed structures. These walls not only structurally form the building, but also assist in regulating humidity inside the building as well as provide an energy efficient way of heating and cooling the building. The ICF blocks have a high thermal resistance value which directly results in saving energy and dramatically cuts down on heat loss. The brick veneer and standing-seam metal roof fit the design of nearby buildings as well. 

In the end, the success of the project falls directly on the relationship between Grand Traverse County, Environment Architects and Hallmark Construction and their subcontractors. A large project involving multiple subcontractors takes quality communication and teamwork in order to be successful. The success of this project is directly related to the numerous entities working towards a common goal.