LCMC Audubon Retirement Village
Size of Project
71,226 SF
Number of Units
119
Location
New Orleans, LA
Owner
LCMC Health System
Industry
Type
New Construction, Renovation
Status
Completed in 2021
Architect
EskewDumezRipple+
Overview
Complexity is what we do best.
Some projects come down to whatever it takes. It’s a notion that guides us here at RNGD. LCMC, a New Orleans-based nonprofit healthcare system, engaged our team to lead the renovation of their recently acquired facility, the John J. Hainkel, Jr. Home & Rehabilitation Center. LCMC looked to update and modernize the 71,226 sq. ft. facility. RNGD had recently completed its first project with the non-profit healthcare provider, the fast-tracked Children’s Hospital Northshore Clinic. For this project, RNGD would work with EskewDumezRipple+ to rejuvenate the facility into 119 private rooms with private bathrooms, serving both traditional long-term care and short-term rehabilitation needs. Once again, our team would work on a short timeline and around existing operations to deliver the completed project. Conveniently, complexity is what we do best.
Our proactive approach was key.
Renovation of the facility was performed in two phases. Where many residents were moved into another facility, around 50 remained in a separate, operating portion. The RNGD construction team erected dividing Infection Control Risk Assessment Walls (ICRA) to meet strict health codes and contain the renovation’s progress. In terms of limiting the spread of germs, the solid division between both sides was crucial, especially as the pandemic descended on the world. Working around a functioning care facility meant phase one had to be fully prepped and ready to go in order to move the residents to the newly completed section. The timeline was already short, so our proactive approach was vital to moving forward.
Moments to thrive.
The unexpected is normal in construction. At RNGD, they’re moments to thrive. As our team moved ahead, it became clear that a more thorough renovation was required to deliver a quality, long-lasting product. The team conferred with the client, working on both time and cost measures to adhere to the unyielding, accelerated schedule. The renovation evolved into a complete demolition of the entire exterior of the facility—taking it down to the studs but also repairing the majority of the exterior structural studs. Moving forward on the major interior renovation, the team was mindful of the operating portion of the facility, keeping moisture control in check and eliminating water intrusion. Apart from the new exterior, the RNGD team also managed the demolition and construction of the new lobby. In place of the original, RNGD built a larger, more modern glass-lined space for welcoming visitors and check-ins.
A neighborhood state-of-mind.
No matter where you live in New Orleans, there’s a neighborhood state of mind. It’s a mentality RNGD holds for all of its clients. Our team came to the facility’s aid as Hurricane Ida rolled through, helping with clean-up and quickly acquiring a generator to keep the facility in operation and its residents comfortable. The team also assisted the facility’s neighbors by cleaning up the narrow surrounding Uptown streets. Refurbished and revitalized, the facility was renamed Audubon Retirement Village. This new chapter for the senior living and rehabilitation center enables LCMC to continue to provide compassionate care to seniors and patients with a modern, well-appointed facility. After all, “doing what it takes” means going the extra mile to deliver for both our clients and the ones they serve.
