Houston Methodist Walter Tower is rapidly utilizing available shell space to increase patient care capabilities. Medical expansion project

The Houston area has experienced a dramatic patient influx within the last few years. As a result, the Walter Tower Level 12 medical expansion project was designed as a universal care unit to aid patients in need of specialized urgent treatment.

Kilgore Industries Medical Center division was tasked with the installation of approximately 50,000-lf of ductwork and 5,000-lf of mechanical pipe to serve 36 patient rooms and support spaces congruent with other areas of Walter Tower.

The project site presented a few challenges throughout the duration of the project. This is common for medical expansion projects. First, the work area was located between Level 11, a Neurological ICU, and Level 14, a Bone Marrow Transplant unit. Both levels remained operational throughout the project. Disruption to any of the units could compromise care operations, damage medical equipment, and threaten the patients’ well-being. Kilgore’s experienced crew worked safely and diligently while performing the work.

Authorized access to the project site was a challenge. The intricate route began through a basement, leading to a designated construction elevator. Storage space in the area was limited. As a result, Kilgore’s construction crew members had to strategically coordinate the supply and transportation of materials and specialized tools throughout the different stages of the project. In addition, crew members had to adhere to strict security and health protocols that involved multiple security screenings and temperature checks while following hospital COVID precautions.

Construction in the medical field can be complex and hard to manage, primarily if the additions are performed around fully operational care units. It takes a skilled crew with vast experience dealing with intricate spaces to complete the job without interruptions.