Howard Building Corporation

Project Description

Hoag Presbyterian provides an extensive network of services dedicated to women’s health care, and they have expanded even further to include a collection of suites at the 500 Superior medical office building located off the main hospital campus.  The suites are designed to house a range of specialty groups and service providers dedicated to women’s health and encompasses the entire third floor of the building. Built in phases, the first 8,000 square foot space, designed by architects at LPA, includes facilities for the anchor tenant, Pacific Women’s Healthcare Associates, providers of specialized obstetric and gynecological care.  Three additional leasable medical office spaces are included in a separate grouping of suites referred to as Universal North.

Pacific Women’s Healthcare Associates occupies the largest portion of the floor and has a large waiting area dedicated to the group’s patients, while the smaller Universal North specialty suites share a separate waiting area adjacent to three additional suites to be completed in a later phase.  A soffit in the ceiling runs past the elevator lobby and connects the two waiting areas visually with randomly spaced, linear, recessed light fixtures running the length of floor.  All light fixtures and controls are Title 24 compliant.  Acoustic ceiling tiles specifically designed for noise abatement provide increased audible privacy throughout the public space.  Design for the individual medical suites was directed largely by the doctors in each group, allowing them to create unique spaces that align with their brand, while also existing in the larger Hoag branded environment. 

The scope of this initial phase of the project included the reception and waiting areas, exam rooms, medical assistant stations, general offices, and restrooms and was completed during both operating hours and off hours.  The building remained occupied and operational for the duration of the 10 week project, requiring coordination with the tenant below, as well as with plumbing and electrical subs.  Adding to this challenge, building materials were required to be passed through a third floor window, while not disturbing the daily operations of any other tenants.  All the space’s mechanical and electrical systems were upgraded to meet Title 24 requirements, and the Fire Life Safety system was upgraded. The parking lot was also upgraded to meet ADA standards.