Special Tree: The New NeuroCare Center

Respiratory Gets High Tech @ New NCC

2011-06-08T14:29:00.000-04:00

In managing the respiratory component of a client’s care, a Respiratory Therapist may perform tasks such as operating and maintaining equipment to administer oxygen or assist with breathing (often through a "vent" or "ventilator"), managing therapy that will help a client recover lung function, administering medications to help alleviate breathing problems and prevent respiratory infections, monitoring a client’s levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases, or maintaining a client’s artificial airway, commonly called a “trach” or “tracheotomy.”

At Special Tree, our respiratory team truly exhibits the Science of Caring. Not only do they treat the clinical needs of clients, but they participate in their overall rehabilitation goals, too, helping them participate in individual and group community outings. Respiratory Therapists have accompanied clients swimming, to sporting events, movies, fireworks, local cultural attractions, the annual Spring Fling dance, and more. Whether it is getting outside to enjoy the warm summer sunshine, heading downtown to a Tigers game, or just going out to dinner, Special Tree clients are often able to participate in important family and community events.

Now with advanced equipment and technology, our respiratory team will really be able to let their talents shine in the new building!

Coming Around The Bend

2011-05-09T11:47:00.012-04:00

Exterior views from a bit different angle than we've shown before, as well as the entry to one of the nature trails.

Part of the entry drive

View as you come around the bend from the entrance

The front entry drive - Heavlin in the distance

Entry to the left, Heavlin in distance

One of the wings to the north

Looking across the entry road in view of the wetlands

Warm and Welcoming

2011-05-06T11:46:00.000-04:00

The months and hours of planning are paying off - at last, the major construction is complete and it is time to move on to the finish work. Ceilings. Floors. Wallpaper. Paint. Doors. Lighting. Tile. Countertops. Cupboards. Shelving. Trim. And on and on.

Just check out how beautifully everything is coming together! The atmosphere is warm and welcoming - and that's before all of our fantastic staff and clients are even there to really bring things to life. We are getting SO excited.

Reception

Therapy

Staff Break Room

Admin

Dining Room

Family & Visitor Business Lounge

"The Hub" - Charting Desk and Nurses Station

Nurses Station

Ceiling Going In

View out a client room

Client Bathroom

89% of the way there!

2011-04-29T13:26:00.002-04:00

Wow, it is hard to believe the new building will be wrapping up already by mid summer. In May, we will begin the final punch list of items to complete the construction and start with all of the necessary inspections. Then we will begin with the furnishings, licensure, and getting all of the medical and clinical equipment in place. Still a lot to be done, but amazing to be this close when we've been at it for just 30 weeks. Whew!

To date, the structural and the rough mechanical, electrical, and plumbing are 100% finished. The crews are now working on the finish mechanical, electrical, and plumbing, and all of the interior details. On the outside, the roofing and siding are 90% complete, and the curb cuts and concrete have all been poured so the parking areas are ready for asphalt this spring. Now the Special Tree IT team will get going with making sure all of our networking and electronic hook ups are in place so we will have top notch technology running through our state-of-the-art center.

Specialty items are also being installed including our in-wall oxygen panel system, automatic doors, kitchen equipment, wander guard, nurse call system, and more.

View from Existing NCC

2011-04-22T12:55:00.010-04:00

Here is a series of shots looking from the parking lot of the existing NeuroCare Center building to the new construction (back, left). After clients and staff move into the new building, the existing NCC will undergo renovations and then later the two buildings will be connected and share some common service areas. They connect through a hallway near the therapy clinics and what used to be the outpatient clinic entrance. From here you can see the side view of the pool (glass block windows in the existing building) and side view of the new therapy clinic.

September 2010

October 2010

November 2010

December 2010

February 2011

March 2011

April 2011

Spring Forward

2011-04-14T12:15:00.000-04:00

It sure has been an exciting winter! Look how far things have come since we broke ground just last fall.

South View - September 2010

South View - October 2010

South View - November 2010

South View - December 2010

South View - February 2011

South View - April 2011

Curb Cuts for Front Parking Lot

Readying for Asphalt

Gazebo put into place

Exterior grounds starting to come together

It may be 40 Outside, but it's 80 at Special Tree

2011-04-08T15:17:00.002-04:00

It's easy to get excited about the opening of the new NeuroCare Center. Especially now that spring has sprung and construction is forging on strong. Just this week we reached the milestone of the project being 80% complete. So what does 80% look like? Well, it's busy outside with excavators laying topsoil and sidewalks being poured. Inside, our IT team is running cable for the cutting-edge family and client business center. Meanwhile, client bathrooms are really looking nice with the installation of showers, tile work and all the amenities. So go ahead and take a look, it's 80 over here and we're lovin' it!

Workers spread topsoil as the sidewalks set-up in the background

The first look at one of the many client bathrooms

Warmer Weather is Upon Us

2011-04-01T14:34:00.026-04:00

Most of us would agree that it isn’t time to breakout the bikinis, but we are seeing the thermometer rise. Here at Special Tree we can't wait for things to heat up. Why? Well, with nicer weather we are able to resume work outside. Just this week a cement truck stopped by to pour concrete for the therapy service walk and the gazebo pad. The exterior of the building is progressing too as siding and soffits were hung and our masonry team continued their fantastic work on the building that will house the oxygen!

Forms are set and cement is poured for the therapy walk

The newly poured pad that will serve as the foundation for our gazebo

A great view of the exterior of the building, showcasing the newly hung siding and soffits

The 'O2 enclosure' that will house the oxygen

Let There be Light!

2011-03-25T16:21:00.000-04:00

Despite gloomy skies, it was a very bright week at NCC. Electricians have been working diligently wiring and installing light fixtures. After a long week we are excited to flip the switch and reach a milestone in the large construction project…. Let there be light!

The hallways are illuminated as light fixtures are hung inside... not a bad paint job either!

Nurses Station getting closer - ready for lights!

You Can Huff and Puff, but You Can't Blow our House In

2011-03-18T14:48:00.019-04:00

Wow! Those bricklayers are fast. They are making such amazing progress at NCC, we feel like we are in a fast-motion video. It's also putting us in nursery rhyme mode. Although we never attempted to build the NeuroCare Center out of straw or sticks, the construction does resemble the third little pig’s house--strongly constructed with good solid brick. Our masonry team has been busy laying brick around the exterior and in the three-season room, leaving a stunning and structurally impressive building. They even did an superb job matching it up to the brick on the existing NCC building, so the connection between the two is seamless.

So go ahead and try big bad wolf. You can huff and puff, but you can’t blow our house in!

A look through the courtyard showing the newly bricked building

The three-seasons room looking beautiful with brick

This wall plus more went up in just one day! Amazing.

Spring's In the Air

2011-03-11T14:21:00.003-05:00

Spring must be in the air, because things at the new NCC are starting to bloom. Inside, the nurses' station is taking shape and the first coats of paint have been rolled out. Outside we're seeing shingles make their home on the rest of the roof and brick laid. Not too bad for a week's work!

A view of a client room

Brick is laid at the base of the building

The nurses' station

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

2011-03-04T13:47:00.024-05:00

We keep moving forward with the new NeuroCare Center. This week drywall was taped and later primed. Now, many of the interior walls are ready for paint. So roll up those sleeves and put out some paint rags- we’re ready to roll (some paint!)

Walls are primed in preparation of paint in the new service corridor

Drywall being taped... check out that view!

Just the Right Fit

2011-02-25T12:38:00.001-05:00

So, just how does this fabulous new building fit into the NeuroCare Campus, anyway? For those of you who have been around for awhile, you may be wondering just how this new construction ties into our existing center.

The new building has been constructed adjacent (and connected to) our existing one. It links up in the therapy area, alongside the existing pool and OT/PT clinic. When the construction is completed, NCC staff and clients will move completely into the new space. The old space will be vacant for a time to undergo renovations before opening back up again. When everything is done, the two buildings will be connected and will share certain common services, such as a dedicated supply room with a shipping dock.

We'll try to show you a few snaps to help you visualize how things are coming together.

First, an exterior shot of the main entrance of the existing NeuroCare Center.

The Original NeuroCare Center

Now, let's take a step over and look just to the left of the main entrance, from the existing parking lot:

Coming in a little closer, we can see where the new building is going to join the existing building by comparing a view from the NCC parking lot:

Week 1: View from Existing NCC Parking Lot

Week 25: View from Existing NCC Parking Lot

Now take a walk with me. We are moving around to our left, toward the new main entrance:

Looking ahead to the entry drive (see truck in distance).
Heavlin to your left now, new NCC to your right,
original NCC behind you.

Now if you turned around to look back at
the original NCC Building

And looking now at the front entrance of the New Building. Heavlin is to your far right, original NCC to your immediate right.

And if you click to enlarge, a panorama paste up.

On the interior side, here are a few pictures of the old entry to the OT/PT clinic:

Old outside entry to OT/PT (from the back parking lot)

Old entry to OT/PT on your left
existing NCC back parking lot formerly to your right.
This hallway will connect the two buildings. Behind you,
the original NCC. Ahead of you and to the left, the new building.

This door is on the other side of the existing OT/PT clinic.
This hallway used to be a sidewalk near the old Gazebo Area.

Old Gazebo area, looking toward parking lot of existing NCC

Old walkway to Gazebo area, from around back of building
(track behind you)

Old Gazebo Area - now the new Therapy Clinic.
See the windows for the pool to the right of the Gazebo

Therapy clinic in new building from the outside - see pool window on the right to compare to photo above

And from the inside

New therapy clinic

New therapy clinic, standing at windows looking back in at building.
The pool is behind the back wall you're looking at here.

View out windows of the new therapy clinic. You can see the rear of
Heavlin in the distance.

We are 65% of the way there. Wow!

2011-02-21T16:06:00.001-05:00

The February "heat wave" and melt down last week gave us an opportunity to get out and take a look at the building from the outside. We keep telling you things are really cooking, well now you can see for yourself. As bricklayers and roofers finish up the outside, drywall, tile, insulation and more are happening inside. With the finish work (floors and walls) coming along, you can really start to get a feel for the building's interior. The staff and clients are getting really fired up about living and working in the new space!

Here's the latest "tour"!

Beautiful trees along the new entry drive

65% of the way there

Front view of new building

Muddy Meltdown in February

Getting the Bird's Eye View

Can't wait until spring for the nature trails

View from the North

Parking lot curb cuts are in-- ready for asphalt this spring

View from the East

Courtyard

Main Entrance Lobby

Welcome to Special Tree!

View of front entrance looking out a window of the front of the building

Dining Room

Activities Center

Staff Lounge

Three Season Room

Looking at the courtyard out the three season room

Drywall is coming along - wow!

Won't Vickie and her crew love their new kitchen

Clients will be nice and warm with this fab insulation job

Even room for a salon for spa treatments

Heading into an office area

Admin Offices

Laundry and Support Services

Supplies have their own shipping/receiving door now

Looking through hall to the nursing station

Charting spot adjacent to nursing station -
Della we can just picture you keeping us all in check from your new digs

No one will be more excited to get to the new space than our therapy team

Look at all of this glorious clinic space

Therapy clinic from a different angle.
To help "place" you - behind the back wall in this photo is the existing pool.
You are 'standing' where the old gazebo area used to be outside.

Therapy Office

Family Lounge/Sitting Area

Visitor Business Center

It's beginning to look a lot like Special Tree

2011-02-13T12:48:00.022-05:00

The new NeuroCare Center is beginning to look a lot like Special Tree. This week we saw ceiling tiles hung in the new lobby that make the structure take on a rounded shape. This curved architecture is becoming a part of the Special Tree brand that can be seen at many of the STRS facilities. The current NCC main entrance dons the welcoming rounded entryway. Community based residential homes, such as Chesley, Greenbriar and Heavlin are also home to the Special Tree architecture brand. Our efforts to streamline architecture are only one of the many ways STRS facilities are alike. Our goal is consistent quality from every aspect-building design, maintenance and upkeep to exceptional client care and The Science of Caring at each location. Take a look!

The current NeuroCare Center main enterence

Chesley

Greenbriar

Heavlin

The lobby at the New NCC!

What’s Cookin’?

2011-02-04T09:04:00.013-05:00

What a week for the inside of the NeuroCare Center! With the building secure from the elements outside we saw great progress inside. Kitchen equipment was installed and we can see the kitchen and dietary service department taking shape before our eyes. The kitchen range hood was hung, exhaust fans went in and take a look at the walk-in freezer, brrrr!

A first look at the new kitchen range hood

The new walk in freezer/cooler

All Secure!

2011-01-28T13:16:00.016-05:00

This week we saw workers busy as they pressed forward with the final stages of securing the building from the winter weather. The roof is now complete, all exterior walls are up and windows are in. With the interior protected from the climate we can expect to see great advancements inside!

A front view of the new building. Secure and ready for more winter weather.

A close-up of the front enterence and carport.

A Beautiful Expansion

2011-01-21T15:39:00.035-05:00

Did you know that Special Tree offers a service to keep our clients looking and feeling their best? Currently in-house salon services are offered to clients right at the NeuroCare Center. But with its expansion will come the opportunity for residents to visit a salon without leaving their home. The new NeuroCare Salon will be equipped with hair dryers, salon chairs, and the look and feel of a community based salon. With the added space, stylists will be able to offer a full-spectrum of services to keep our clients feeling great while spending a relaxing day at the salon.

Come on in!

A look out the window in the salon

Half Way There!

2011-01-17T11:02:00.002-05:00

This week we saw amazing progress. Four months into the expansion and we are half way done with the whole project and the building is now 35% complete! This week storm lines were installed inside the building between the laundry and activities rooms. We also saw installation of the first head wall panel that will house the in-wall respiratory equipment. Carpenters were hard at work outside too with the framing of the carport at the main entrance.

The main entrance with a nice view of the newly constructed carport

The carport

Hello reception!

Looking out of the 3-season room to the courtyard

The dining room

The view from a client room. NICE!

Gone Fishing

2011-01-10T16:30:00.000-05:00

It’s hard to imagine now that the ice and snow will melt and these cold days will turn to warm, sunny afternoons. But warmer days are ahead and we’re excited because the NCC expansion project includes some pretty great features in the outdoors, too. The new campus will feature an eight foot deep fishing pond. We’ll be working with a fishery and farm pond specialist to develop a sustainable ecosystem for our underwater friends. Although there’s work to be done before bluegill and bass make it their home, you can see that it’s really starting to take shape.

A snowy peek at our new fishing pond

The pond from a bird's eye view

Jim Richert, STRS Project Manager, and Joe Richert, CEO do a little 'ice fishing.' We're guessing they're excited for the completion of the pond!

"Hello, 2011" and "Hello, Inside of the Building!"

2011-01-03T14:49:00.000-05:00

If you think the outside is looking great, take a look at what's happening "indoors." Walls being framed in, electrical being run, windows installed, treatment areas and offices being built. The interior structure is really starting to take shape. And all we can say is "Wow!" It is going to be one awesome building.

Entry Drive

Entrance

Come on In!

Reception Desk

Jim Richert, STRS Project Manager, and Joe Richert, CEO, review the plans

Hallway

The new building features private rooms for each client

Dining Room

3 Season Porch just beyond the dining room and adjacent courtyard

Activities

Beauty Parlor

Hall

Therapy Gym

The old exterior entrance to PT/OT

Old Building in Background

Courtyard

Leaving the building through the front entrance

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T14:26:00.058-05:00

Wow, who would have imagined we'd get this far with the project by the end of 2010?! Check it out!

South view, 10-8-2010

South view, 11-9-2010

South view, 12-30-2010

North view, 9-29-2010

North View, 11-3-2010

North View, 12-30-2010

North view (closer in), 12-30-2010

View from Existing Parking Lot, 9-28-2010

View from Existing Parking Lot, 11-3-2010

View from Existing Parking Lot, 12-30-2010

New Entrance, 11-3-2010

New Entrance, 12-30-2010

Happy Holidays

2010-12-23T16:15:00.002-05:00

Happy Holidays everyone!

View from the South End

Construction of the Northwest side of the roof

Workers shingle the roof above the front entrance

Same view, a little further away

A view from the old parking lot

A look down the hallway, client rooms to the right and left

Inside the lobby area looking North

Good Weather Keeps us Moving Right Along

2010-12-20T08:48:00.000-05:00

Concrete for the last section of the interior floor is being poured this week, a big “check mark” on the to-do list! Underground work continues for water, sewer, plumbing, electrical, and the like. The boardwalks along the nature trail over the wetlands came out beautifully last week, and crews continue to work on that and other campus amenities in tandem with the building construction. The fishing pond has been carved out and this week multiple deliveries of clay arrive which will line the bottom. Infrastructure for the lighting along the new drive off Hannan Road has also begun. Looks like good weather – good news for the team!

View from South End (Week 7)

Boardwalk over wetlands in nature trail

Path near pond areas

Drive off of Hannan Road to new entrance for campus.

Snow? No problem!

2010-12-17T16:04:00.068-05:00

Wow! This week we saw our first real snow, not to mention a dip in the temperature. We have to hand it to the Douglas construction team, for they persevered despite weather. Plumbing and electrical work continues. We've also started to see the roof take shape, even as far as the shingles on one section. Getting the roof up will obviously be an important milestone as the winter weather worsens. Meanwhile, the IT staff are busy mapping out network and internet connections. The new building will include a Family and Visitor Business Center with wireless access.

Keep warm :)

A snowy view from the South End (Week 12)

View from inside the hallway

First look at the new PT gym

Windows are going in!

2010-12-10T14:56:00.058-05:00

Windows and interior walls are starting to make it all seem so real! Very exciting to get the windows installed and framing begun on the "inside" of the building. Excavators are working to install a water main in what will be the new staff parking lot; what a big project. The parking lots are taking shape as well as curbs are being installed.

Our construction hard hats are also off to our clients and therapy staff. What a great job you've done keeping your sense of humor while work is being done around the therapy area. Thanks for being such good sports!

An early view of the new entrance

Curb Installation

Water Main work in the new staff parking area

One wing of the new building taking shape

Raise the Roof

2010-12-03T16:31:00.061-05:00

This week we saw a giant crane come through to set our roof trusses in place. Now we're busy constructing the roof. Plumbers and electricians are continuing work underground. Masons have begun prep work for the walls which will house the oxygen panels. The new building will include advanced in-wall respiratory hook-ups in 27 rooms. Great work everyone.

View from the South End (Week 10).

Trusses are set in place.

Workers begin to construct the roof.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-26T16:20:00.013-05:00

Despite the holiday, the construction didn't suffer from the tryptophan effect. Happy Thanksgiving!

The Nature Trail is paved by our hardworking crew.

Eastern view of the Nature Trail.

Another great shot of the trail.

Taking Shape

2010-11-19T09:03:00.083-05:00

Things are taking shape! Work has begun on framing interior walls and masonry work is being done to prepare for constructing the entrance. Things are coming along for the nature trail, we're laying stone in preparation of pavement.

One of the three wings.

The Nature Trail's base is set with stone in preparation of pavement.

A view from the North End (Week 8).

We Have Walls!!

2010-11-03T15:04:00.008-04:00

It’s been about a month since our groundbreaking on 9/29 and the official kick-off of the NeuroCare Campus Expansion project. It’s hard to believe how much has been happening in that time. Nearly all of the underground work has been completed such as plumbing, electrical, foundation and concrete work. They will be digging a large pit on the north side of Chase in front of Heavlin to allow the boring machine to bore under the road. The contractors and the Special Tree facilities maintenance team are taking every precaution to make sure this is barricaded and remains safe for anyone who may come across this. Barricade fence was installed around the hole by the contractor, but Special Tree’s maintenance team, led by Mark Blevins, are adding another small section for extra protection. Thanks, Mark and crew! The Douglas Team continues to frame the nature trail bridges and they also began framing WALLS this week near the existing building’s therapy area. With all the work that has been done so far, it just feels extra exciting to see walls going up!

From the South End (Week 2)

From the South End (Week 6)

From the North End (Week 1)

From the North End (Week 6)

View from old parking lot (Week 1)

View from old parking lot (Week 6)

Boring to go under Chase Road

Overview from the North

View of what will be the entrance area to new building
(looking East, existing therapy wing in background)

Bird's Eye View (looking North)

Bird's Eye View (Looking West, Heavlin in Background)

Simmering Below the Surface

2010-10-27T14:42:00.001-04:00

Progress continues to move at a rapid pace as the team readies for the coming winter weather. This has been the week for a lot of underground work. The plumbing and electrical have been installed underground in most areas of the building. DTE has been on-site installing new underground wiring to nearby buildings. A storm sewer system is going in beginning at Hannan Road and heading east. Steel structural work has been completed in the ground and a concrete floor poured over much of the footprint of the building. The nature trails are moving along. Carpenters have begun work installing bridges across the wetlands on the path.

From the South End (Week 5)

From the North End (Week 5)

Concrete Floor Poured

Storm Sewer Being Installed

Bridges over wetlands begun on Nature Trail

A Sneak Peek at the new Nature Trail!

2010-10-21T16:45:00.000-04:00

The NeuroCare Expansion involves more than just a new building. We'll also be increasing parking, establishing a new entry along Hannan Road, and incorporating some new amenities to the overall campus including a pond with waterfall, gazebo, accessible fishing areas, and a nature trail.

The nature trail and walking/rolling path are being readied along the perimeter of the property to highlight the wetlands and wildlife habitat in the area. It is a very serene, beautiful path carved out of the woods. As much of the natural elements of the area will be preserved as possible. The path has been cleared, excavated, and graded in preparation for the pavement. it will be paved this fall in tandem with the new drive and parking lots.

Here is a sneak peek at the trail!

Week 2: Clearing and establishing the path

A view along the beautiful nature trail area

Clearing the Path

Week 4: The path has been leveled,
graded and readied for pavement

Smoothing out the path and making it level

Wetlands are left untouched and a
boardwalk will be built over the wetland areas

Sand brought in, readying for pavement

Footings, Paving, Plumbing and More

2010-10-20T17:00:00.000-04:00

So much progress is happening this week! It's hard to even keep up with all of the activity.

The construction team has been pouring footings around the perimeter of the new building since late last week with the goal of 200' per day. They are near completion. Masons are laying footing blocks around the building going wing by wing. The new building has 4 wings, 3 with all private rooms for clients and one wing for administration and common areas. Two wings will have in-wall panels so oxygen can be piped right into the building eliminating the need for free standing equipment in rooms for clients with respiratory needs.

When the expansion is complete, staff and visitors will drive to the NeuroCare Campus from a new entrance off of Hannan Road. This will eliminate almost all traffic from Chase Road, which is a residential street, improving safety for residents and neighbors. The new Hannan Road entrance, entry drive, nature trail, and new parking lots have been an important focus this week. Electricians have installed the lighting infrastructure along the drive and irrigation sleeves are also being installed in coordination with the pavement work. A stone pavement base has been installed along the new drive from Hannan and the final positioning has been staked out in preparation for paving which may begin as early as next week.

Go Team Go!

Building pad for the new structure

Laying the foundation block

View from the North End

View from the South End

Hooray for Trees!

2010-10-19T11:16:00.000-04:00

During the phase in clearing the land for the site, the team was able to save several trees. They were excavated and moved to new areas to use along the entrance drive and parking areas.

9 big pine trees, including these 3, were transplanted

Workers transplanting trees

These trees were saved and moved from other areas to
this section along the new entry drive

Preparing for the Foundation and Starting the Hannan Road Entrance

2010-10-15T18:00:00.000-04:00

What a week it has been!

With the site cleared from last week's efforts, preparations are underway to ready the ground and prepare for the "building pad." This is the area which will serve as the foundation for the building. Excavators are digging a trench around the perimeter of the new building to pour the footings. As always, safety is a key concern so there will always be an area left for evacuation and a clear path in and out of the areas of the current building which may be affected. Workers will even out the ground and lay stone and material for a level foundation.

Finally, excavators are simultaneously working to ready the Hannan Road entrance, drive, new parking lot, and the nature trail, for pavement. The current focus is getting the key elements done to the ground and structure of the building before the winter weather sets in, and so far the team is beating their timeline! Great job everyone.

Excavating near the existing Therapy Area

View from the North End

View from the South End

Another view from the South End

Safety First

2010-10-13T12:53:00.000-04:00

The most important goal of the NCC Expansion project is to maintain the safety of our clients, staff, crew and visitors at all times. The Special Tree project team has done a tremendous job in planning for the issues and needs during the construction. Some of the key elements of the safety plan include:

Ongoing communication with the therapy staff on means of egress in case of an emergency. The therapy clinic is the only area of the existing building that is critically affected by the ongoing construction.
Safety rounds/audits twice a day to assure that the grounds are maintained in the safest manner
Barriers to keep anyone not part of the construction team out of the construction area
Signs posted for visitors and staff to not be walking the track or entering the construction area
Conducting routine risk assessments throughout the project
Daily communication with the construction team leader to assess the next day’s plans and communicate any concerns to staff to enhance their awareness
Ongoing communication witht the Romulus Fire Marshall
Regular assessment of safety needs, evaulation current efforts, and making needed adjustments to our practices

For questions or to suggest ideas, contact Vickie Lambert, NeuroCare Center Safety Officer, at vickielambert@specialtree.com

Construction is Underway

2010-10-11T15:14:00.000-04:00

The trucks and crews are busy in motion as the site is cleared and construction begins on the new NeuroCare Center building in Romulus.

Site is Cleared!

2010-10-08T15:52:00.000-04:00

Wow! So much has already happened since the groundbreaking last week. Construction workers and equipment are busy everywhere we look. The land has been cleared to ready the site for the project. The gazebo has been moved, the sidewalk demo done, and we've even 'blazed a trail' for the new walking path for the nature trail in the woods and wetland areas.

Next, they will begin to prepare the building pad - leveling out the ground, removing debris, clearing top soil (which will be stored and used later), and begin work on the retention pond.

Staff are in good spirits seeing how much progress is already in the works. Clients are watching the action from a safe distance. Thanks everyone for pulling together to keep safety a top concern, and for being cooperative and in good cheer as you adjust to modified parking and the buzz of construction as the new soundtrack to the day.

Week 2 Photo Updates:

View from NCC Parking Lot: Week 1

View from NCC Parking Lot: Week 2

View near big tree: Week 1

View near big tree: Week 2

View of existing building's pool: Week 1

View of existing building pool: Week 2

Looking toward rear of Heavlin: Week 1

Looking toward rear of Heavlin: Week 2

View from North End: Week 1

View from North End: Week 2

View from North End with Heavlin: Week 2

New view with land cleared, sideway view toward entrance of new building

Beautiful Day for the Official Groundbreaking Ceremony

2010-09-29T19:15:00.000-04:00

It was a beautiful, sunny fall afternoon for the official groundbreaking ceremony to kick off the construction project.

Ready to get started

Rev Paul and Gloria Richert

Jack Richert gives a nice welcome, talks about our history, and gives an overview of the project

Joe Richert welcomes everyone and gives a special thanks
to our staff and clients without whom this would not be possible.

Jett gets in on the action

Rev Richert gives an invocation

Jim Richert talks about our many collaborators

Jim Richert introduces the project team

Charlie Schurman/Architect, Jack Richert/VP & Dir Admissions,
Dr. Joseph Richert/Medical Director Emeritus,
Marty Billmeyer/33 Year Employee, Joe Richert/President & CEO,
Jim Richert/Property Manager,
and Ron Siebenaler/The Douglas Company

The Ceremonial First Dig

Unofficial Construction Boss, Joseph Jett Richert

NeuroCare Campus Expansion: Ready, Set, Go!

2010-09-27T13:54:00.000-04:00

Exciting news! Our permits, financing, contractors, and the stars are finally all in alignment. On Wednesday, September 29, 2010 we will officially break ground to construct a new building to expand our NeuroCare Campus. We have been working for more than two years with our staff, outside consultants, architects, engineers, the City of Romulus, accountants, clients, families and others to design a full service, state-of-the-art rehabilitation environment. While our staff already provide outstanding care, the amenities in the new building and surrounding campus will enable them to truly let their talents shine. This expansion will help Special Tree continue to provide the best opportunities for healing and recovery to our clients and their circle of support.

The new building and surrounding landscape will include:

39 private rooms
Advanced in-wall equipment for respiratory care in 27 rooms
27 Showers in clinical wings plus 2 in therapy clinic
Centrally located client/family lounge located adjacent to nurses’ station
Business Center for families and visitors
3-Season Sunroom attached to dining room
Dedicated Activities and Therapeutic Recreation area adjacent to dining room
Exterior play area for young clients and visitors
New staff lounge
Expanded walking path/nature trail following perimeter of wetlands and wildlife habitat
Pond with waterfall, gazebo and accessible fishing areas
Security system with cameras to monitor parking lots and exits
Expanded parking
New entrance via private drive off of Hannan Road

We have a great deal of work ahead of us. The project is scheduled to be completed in just under one year’s time. We will continue operations at the existing NeuroCare Center. Client, staff, and visitor safety is our number one priority as we navigate the construction to successfully complete the project and launch our new building.

Stay tuned for updates on the expansion here on our NCC blog. For questions or concerns, contact Jim Richert, Property Manager for Special Tree at
734-893-1000.

image: artist rendering of new building, 2010