University of Georgia
University Health Center Expansion

• Location:
  Athens, GA
• Size:
  44,000 sf, 3-story addition & renovation to existing student health facility
• Construction Cost:
  $18,000,000
• Status:
  Completed 2009

PerryCrabb Key Personnel:

• Mechanical: Michael Lamb, PE
• Electrical: Frank Young, PE

Owner Reference:

Challenge

Due to growth in enrollment, the existing university health center was inadequate to serve the health and wellness needs of the student body. A rising demand in mental health services required the university to provide additional space in a facility that would protect HIPAA-compliant patient confidentiality. The University also wanted to provide educational programs in lifestyle choices and healthy cooking, so classroom space with kitchen facilities were a new addition to the Health Center program.

Solution

The project team designed a 3-story addition with new vision clinic, counseling services, exam rooms, and education spaces. The entrance lobby was expanded to create a more welcoming environment. The existing Pharmacy and Dental facilities were expanded. PerryCrabb designed HVAC systems in the counseling center to reduce room-to-room sound transmission to maintain HIPAA-compliant confidentiality. The building systems were coordinated with a campus master plan for central utilities, but are initially independent. The design includes a commercial kitchen that is designed to operate like a residential facility to accommodate the new educational component.

Results

The expanded and updated health center serves the needs of today’s student body at this major state university. HIPAA-compliant patient confidentiality is maintained through careful architectural and engineering design. The project came in under budget – $900,000 in unused contingencies were returned to the owner.