UPDATE!!!!!!!!  4/19/2013
The window contractors are right on schedule!! The entire front of the facility is approximately 75% complete.  Next week they will be moving to the rear of the facility (southwest corner).  If you see leaks in any windows, please contact the Support Services Department at ext. 1305.  Thanks goes out to all of the staff for their assistance, cooperation, and understanding during this construction project.

UPDATE!!!!!!!!  2/15/2013

Contractors completed their mock-up of the windows in the Northwest corner of the building.  The mock-up was a good experience, and we were all able to learn a few things before the real project begins. 

The real project has been pushed back one week.  The new start date is February 25.  The contractors will be working on the Northeast and Northwest corners of the buildings.  Swing-stages are being set up on the roof to allow the contractors to work in areas that cannot be reached by the Lift.  Swing-stages are commonly used by window washers, so don’t be alarmed when you see them hanging outside of your windows! Let your patients know about this beneficial project and please close curtains and blinds to ensure patient privacy!! Stay tuned for more updates!! 

UPDATE! 1/17/2013

Contractors will be at the facility on 1/21-1/23 to do a mock-up of the window replacement.  Small windows will be removed and replaced along the Northwest corner of the facility.  This mock-up will enable the contractors to get a better idea of the construction time of this project. The real project won’t start until February 18!!! Stay tuned for more updates!! 

History

In July 2008 an application was submitted to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) for a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program approved by FEMA.  The grant was completed to replace all of the windows on the facility with impact resistant windows. The grant was available to support projects that foster resiliency in coastal areas. On October 8, 2009, the facility received a notice that the grant was approved, and LJCMC was awarded approximately $3.2 million.  YES $3.2 MILLION!!!!!!!! 

Construction

This project will involve a hurricane wind retrofit to replace all glass with impact resistant windows.  The windows above 30 ft. will be able to withstand small missile flying debris, whereas the windows below 30 ft will be able to withstand large missile flying debris.

Progress

The project was awarded to McInerney and Associates from Nashville TN.  At this time, the company is mobilizing their supplies and equipment in preparation for this project.  The project will begin in the northwest corner of the facility.  Windows will be removed in a vertical fashion to decrease interruption in patient services. The construction should begin in January 2013.

The wall panel replacement has been on Capital Outlay since 1993.  After Hurricane Gustav, the facility lost a few sections of the aggregate wall panels on the outside of the main building.  The replacement cost will be funded through FEMA and the state of Louisiana.

Construction

This project will involve removing all of the old pebble aggregate wall panels on the main building and replacing them with steel panels.

Progress

The design of the replacement panels is complete.  The project should be placed out on bid to obtain a contractor in the beginning of January 2013.

The freight elevator replacement has been on a Capital Outlay request since the year 2000.  (Capital Outlay is a process where state agencies request funds from the State of Louisiana.  The funds are NOT part of the LJCMC’s budget.) After Hurricane Gustav, the freight elevators were finally approved for replacement.  The old freight elevators were over 30 years old.

Construction

This project includes the complete removal and replacement of the freight elevators. The project began May 2012

Progress

Both freight elevators were approved for operation on December 10, 2012.