Providence, Portland Medical Center, 9th & 10th Floors

Having completed more than 40 projects with Providence—including a dozen within the Portland Medical Center—Providence selected Fortis for the 62,000sf buildout of the 9th and 10th floors to deliver 96 new med-surg and critical-care inpatient beds.

Throughout preconstruction Fortis analyzed the cost and schedule benefits of utilizing off-site prefabrication for items ranging from headwalls and piping and pre-wired panels. Early engagement of MEP and low-voltage trade partners allowed for the optimization of prefabrication integration, field investigations to verify existing systems, and early procurement release for long-lead equipment. To minimize disruptions to the active hospital tower and the patient-room floor below, the team coordinated with Department Managers during preconstruction to sequence the work. The use of a crane for large-scale material deliveries minimized both construction and elevator traffic. Fortis also provided early planning for utility shutdowns during preconstruction, working closely with Facilities to create and communicate plans for shutdown and tie-ins to existing building systems. With detailed research of the exact impact and areas affected, Fortis used a Method of Procedures process for coordination and finding opportunities for impact mitigation.

Thanks in large part to the extensive preconstruction efforts and a field team focused on patient and Facilities needs, the project was completed on schedule, on budget, and with an exceptional safety record. In the process, Fortis Project Manager Laura Caldwell was named Contractor of the Year across the Providence system.