Greenstone has completed the removal of a large amount of basalt rock and prepped the site for Baker Construction. Baker and their sub-contractor Everett Concrete are now hard at work installing both site and main level concrete necessary to complete the structural concrete podium. The completed work includes; retaining walls, footings, grade beams, portions of the elevator walls, and some of the columns for the concrete podium. Rebar and formwork are also being installed for the balance of the podium columns and one of the two stairwells. It is anticipated that the concrete work will be complete early next year. Once the podium is completed 4 stories of apartments, using wood construction, will begin. The overall construction is scheduled to be completed in late 2021.

Even though temps have dropped over the last few weeks, the Campus Drive scope of work in front of the Administration Building at the University of Idaho is still underway!

Completed in 2011, The Children’s Choice Dental building is a wonderful example of how soothing colors can balance with industrial architectural elements to create a comfortable environment.

#ThrowbackThursday The Global Scholars Hall at Washington State University is a signature student residence with 133 dwelling units of varying types. Because of its location at the heart of an active campus, the project had some challenges associated with phasing, site boundaries, and student safety…

Another Worksite Wednesday update, this time out at the Huntwood Cabinets facility expansion in Liberty Lake. Site-cast concrete panels are officially in place. The process was scheduled to take three days, but they only needed a day and a half. Fantastic job, Baker Construction & Development, Inc. Teamwork makes the dream work!

When working with a provider to design or renovate their space, patient experience is everything. Safety, cleanliness, comfort, and clarity are all at the top of the list of priorities. Providers know patients are faced with concerns when entering their office and aim to ease anxiety with the floorplan, finishes, and overall “feel.” When asked what percent of the patient experience is our responsibility, I would say that every inch is in our purview. Every element of a space can either add to or diminish the level of anxiety in patients. Colors, textures, daylight, orientation, circulation patterns, and noise levels should all be considered early in the design process. We benefit from an excellent interior design department that can work with our clients to achieve their desired feel while offering expert space-planning for the best possible outcome for providers and patients.
After completion of the project, we actively seek out feedback (especially the negative) once the space is lived in. We schedule time during our one-year warranty walk through to talk with a variety of staff members about what patients mention about the space, what functions well, and what they would change. Needs and processes change over time, and observing how a project endures helps us improve the next one.

Completed earlier this year, the Whitworth Water District Administration and Maintenance Building is a great example of how our in-house architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture departments work together to deliver thoughtful, enduring designs. This project included an inspired Xeriscape – an approach to landscape design that promotes water conservation through the use of native and drought-tolerant plants.