Northside Community Health Center engaged SMNG-A to design the renovation of an existing light manufacturing building for use as a new medical facility for an all-volunteer organization providing primary health care at no cost to eligible patients. The existing single story building had approximately 12,000 square feet of interior space on one level and the 50 foot clear roof span provided column free space that was well suited for the new health care functions.
The project was designed with advice from a general contractor brought onto the project team during the design phase. They were able to generate cost estimates at various stages of the design process to verify that the scope and budget remained in balance. Interior space improvements ultimately were constructed for approximately $58.00 per square foot.
The new center makes use of color to help organize circulation routes and destinations. A red column enclosure marks the transition from client intake to clinical area.
The children's play area is in the form of an imaginary house, as though made from a child’s crayon sketch. The squat column holding up the play area entrance was made on site by the architect.
