Darland Construction is leading a major expansion currently underway at Providence Medical Center (PMC) in Wayne, Nebraska. Starting in 2010, Darland led the preconstruction process which has resulted in the design, budget, and construction plan for the two-part expansion and remodeling project. A 25,000 sf addition will house a new physical therapy and wellness center which includes 5,000 sf for storage or future expansion. A separate 3,500 sf addition will provide expanded space for a current outpatient department which will be remodeled as part of the project. The entire project is scheduled to be complete and operational by the summer of 2012.

During preconstruction, Darland worked closely with the PMC administration and board of directors, and with Avant Architects, to plan and budget the project. Darland led the team through a variety of planning issues, such as efficiently incorporating a 1/16th-scale track into the wellness center while still meeting the budget; and determining the most cost-effective method between tying into existing hospital mechanical infrastructure or adding new infrastructure. Darland also recommended that the 5,000 sf of storage space, initially conceived as a basement area, be moved to ground level to lower costs and provide future expansion capacity. Complicating the process, the project was awarded USDA funding, which created extensive compliance requirements.

"Darland was extremely instrumental in helping us meet the USDA requirements," states PMC's CEO Michael Hammond. "Without Darland's exceptional attention to detail it would have been very difficult for us to comply with the requirements of the USDA funding. They have been extremely timely in their communications and in getting us the information we need to keep this project on a fast track to completion."

The success of this demanding project will rest on Darland's construction management expertise. The physical therapy area includes a therapy pool with extensive mechanical, electrical, and plumbing requirements. The outpatient improvements will have to be built and remodeled in phases and planned to allow patient access during construction. The site abuts Wayne State College and a walking trail, so public safety measures will be a key priority—all factors for which Darland has developed precise construction documentation and management plans.