RUSH Copley Opens 20-Bed Observation Unit

In an effort to increase capacity in the emergency department, Rush Copley Medical Center hired Power to build a single-story vertical expansion atop the existing ED department for a new clinical decision unit. Before starting the 19,000 sf expansion, the project team added reinforcement to the existing steel columns on the first floor around active patient areas and relocated an ultrasound room that had interference with planned demolition. Doing as much enabling work as possible ahead of the official construction start, we were able to maintain the hospital's aggressive phasing schedule. 

The facility's new elevator and stair tower penetrate the existing barrel roof over the ambulance bay. In order to mitigate unnecessary shutdowns and congestion, we worked with Designed Equipment to plan a large temporary enclosure canopy to keep the ambulance bay, data closet and imaging areas protected.