For the better part of a decade, MSK has provided Southwestern Vermont Medical Center’s Bennington campus with site development services for various hospital improvements, allowing our technical staff to respond quickly to proposed projects that the hospital undertakes and advances.

Challenge

In order to accommodate the doubling of the average number of ER visits in recent decades, SVMC needed to expand the capacity of their Emergency Department, which included creating a new entrance, looping access drive, and upgrades to the laboratory and cafe areas. The hospital planned to renovate 7,700 sf of building space and construct another 6,700 sf to modernize the department. The Green Mountain Care Board, Vermont’s regulatory healthcare board, granted SVMC a Certificate of Need (CON) for $26 million for this project.

Solution

Our team provided field survey work, site design services, permitting, and engineering field support throughout the duration of the exterior site construction. Survey efforts included confirming the locations of utilities, structures, and other site features to assist in the design of the site and proposed infrastructure. We also coordinated all permitting with the appropriate municipal and state agencies to support the design of the waterline, building addition, and building connector which included the demolition of a historic structure. This involved working with a land use attorney and historic preservation consultant to prepare documentation for approval by the VT Division of Historic Preservation in concert with Act 250 review. Permitting applications that we prepared included local, Wastewater and Potable Water Supply, Act 250, 9020, and 9050.  

Our engineers developed the site layout, utility, grading, drainage, and construction details for submission to regulatory agencies to review in conjunction with the aforementioned permit applications and supporting materials. The site’s existing operational permit was amended to incorporate changes to on-site impervious surfaces and compliance was achieved using Tier 1 and 2 stormwater treatment practices. Our construction administration efforts included preparation of final drawings and specs, coordination with the clients, architects, and construction manager to respond to subcontractor bidders’ questions, assistance with building layouts, submittals, and payments, as well as permit close-out following construction completion in 2023. 

Results

The new Kendall Emergency Department has dramatically improved the overall experience for patients and families, while also providing SVMC’s clinical team with the space and resources to provide high quality critical care. 

At a Glance

• Client: SVMC
• Location: Bennington, VT
• Dates: 2017-2024
• Services Provided:
  • Construction Administration
  • Construction Plans
  • Coordination with Local & State Regulators
  • Permit Inspections & Certification
  • Site Design
  • Stormwater Design
  • Survey
  • Wastewater & Water Supply Design
• Permitting:
  • Local Permits
  • VT Act 250
  • VT Stormwater 9020
  • VT Stormwater 9050
  • VT Wastewater & Potable Water Supply