Bronx-Lebanon’s new Children’s Wing, which opened in 2009, is providing state-of-the-art pediatric care in a totally modern and family-friendly environment. It includes expanded space for pediatric outpatient and inpatient services, as well as an interactive lobby and reception area, with panoramic views of the Bronx skyline.

The New Pediatric Addition and Renovations project was designed by NK-Architects and undertaken within an occupied 19-story 860-bed Hospital campus, including  the construction of a 6,570 s.f. 4th floor Pediatric addition and a 1,740 s.f. 5th floor mechanical equipment/storage addition, both over the existing three story wing of the Hospital (photo top right). The resulting composite 5-story structure  was then re-skinned with a new ventilated rainscreen cladding system of beige and salmon-colored insulated metal panels and glazed aluminum  curtainwall to match the colors, finish and design spirit of the existing hospital tower building directly behind it.

The project included renovations to the existing Pediatric unit and miscellaneous revisions on the 4th floor of the existing  ten story structure of approx. 4,730 s.f.  The new addition includes a play room with clerestory windows and curved metal standing seam roof.

I was tasked with coordinating the Contractor’s scope of work within Safety, Infection Control, Security, Engineering, MIS/Telecommunications, Materials Management, and Environmental Services protocols; monitoring the progress of the work;  controlling construction quality;  monitoring the safety program; recommending changes in the work; maintaining jobsite records;  conducting weekly progress meetings; preparing  and distributing meeting minutes; monitoring processing of shop drawings and submittals, requests for information, and architect’s supplemental instructions with the architect;  processing payment requests and change orders;  managing testing agencies;  monitoring  and editing the master schedule with contractor and owner-supplied work;  providing weekly liaison with end users (doctors and nurse managers); coordinating multiple mobilizations by the asbestos abatement Contractor within the ongoing construction; and managing the  close- out phase to a successful conclusion.

“This new wing is a vital part of our Department of Pediatrics’ ongoing efforts to address the medical and behavioral problems of children,” stated Dr. Ram Kairam, Chairman, Pediatrics.  The outpatient center offers treatment in a number of specialties, including cardiac illnesses, asthma, diabetes  and neurological disorders, among other health problems.  Bronx-Lebanon's pediatric-asthma program, part of its outpatient center, is widely recognized as a model program.  (Photos:  BLHC)