Ghafari to Lead Karmanos Cancer Institute Renovation + Expansion
Dearborn, MI – Global architecture and engineering firm Ghafari Associates has been awarded a contract to provide comprehensive architectural and engineering services for the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute at the Lawrence and Idell Weisberg Cancer Treatment Center in Farmington Hills, Michigan.
Due to increased patient volumes, the current center has outgrown its current facility offerings. This renovation and expansion will nearly quadruple the space, increasing its existing footprint from 17,700 to 69,100 square feet. The design will build upon the current architecture of the building and introduce a modern design that aligns with the future growth of oncology programs to be offered at the facility.
“From the early planning stages of the project, the objective was clear: we need to respond to the needs of the patients and their support teams,” said Mike Durand, PE, Director of Ghafari’s Healthcare Practice. “This methodology has guided key project stakeholders and our team through the facility’s new layout, design, and the overall theme of the facility. We want patients to feel welcomed and comfortable, and we’re confident that this completed facility will proudly serve patients, families, and staff for years to come.”
One of the main challenges of this project is keeping the facility fully operational with little disturbance to patients and staff during construction phase. To accommodate the programming of this project, the Ghafari team worked closely with the Karmanos facility team to develop a phased project approach to meet the needs of staff, patients, and their families.
“Ghafari is a forward-thinking and technologically advanced architectural firm, and they bring that to the table each time we meet,” said Ellen Monterosso, Karmanos Cancer Institute Project Manager. “Our project has proven to be a very perplexing project full of obstacles and challenges, and the Ghafari team has been able to work through those challenges to help Karmanos and their team be successful. The firm’s knowledge, professionalism, and patience have been instrumental in the daily work of this project.”
The first phase of the project is currently under construction and will expand the radiation area to offer the latest advancements in radiation oncology, imaging bays, and additional services including research, procedure rooms, and an interventional radiology suite. The second phase of the project, expected to begin in construction in April 2019, will renovate the infusion, laboratory and pharmacy areas, clinic care space, and areas where support services and survivorship programming are held.
The additional facility footprint and new aesthetics will support the organization’s transition into a full-service, outpatient oncology center by 2021.
