Mercy Medical Center – ED Expansion & Chapel Renovation

Location: Springfield, MA
Property Type: Healthcare / Hospital
Timeline: Fall 2021 – Spring 2022
Size: 3,800 square feet

Project Overview:

Raymond R. Houle Construction was proud to partner with Mercy Medical Center for a highly specialized, multi-phase expansion and renovation of the Emergency Department (ED) and Chapel areas. The overarching goal of the project was to create space for six new behavioral health beds—a critical need for the hospital. However, in order to make this addition possible, a strategic reorganization of surrounding spaces was required, involving six carefully planned phases.

Project Phases & Scope of Work:

  • Phases 1–3:

    • Renovation and consolidation of the existing lab registration area

    • Construction and relocation of the hospital chapel, including transfer of the cherished St. John’s Bible to the atrium

    • Installation of custom curved double doors, sourced from a specialty door manufacturer in Colorado

    • Relocation and integration of original stained glass as a new illuminated feature in the new chapel space

  • Phase 4:

    • Renovation of the former St. John’s Bible space and the 271 lobby area to house new registration booths

  • Phase 5:

    • Conversion of the now-vacant chapel, former registration space, and adjacent storage into a new behavioral health holding pod and a Rapid Medical Evaluation (Fast Track) unit

  • Phase 6:

    • Cosmetic upgrades to the 299 Carew Street main entrance, lobby, and atrium

    • Work performed while the space remained fully operational

Unique Challenges & Strategic Solutions:

  • Occupied Construction:
    Over 60% of the construction area remained active during renovations, requiring careful phasing, off-hour work, and stringent safety protocols to maintain uninterrupted patient flow and care.

  • Working in Vertical Space:
    The final phase involved significant work in a 30-foot-tall atrium, including painting and ceiling tile replacement. This required the use of multiple scissor lifts while taking great care to prevent damage to the existing stone tile flooring.

  • High-Traffic Environment:
    Construction took place in one of the hospital’s busiest areas. Crews worked primarily during non-peak hours and low-flow days, ensuring patient and staff safety at all times.

  • Specialized Fabrication & Installation:
    The new chapel space was enhanced with custom-crafted doors and the delicate relocation of stained glass, requiring coordination with outside specialty fabricators and meticulous handling.

Value Delivered:

  • Seamless Phasing in a Live Healthcare Environment: Our team ensured hospital operations were never interrupted, even during high-impact construction activities.

  • Creative Space Reconfiguration: We worked closely with the hospital to create the new behavioral health wing without expanding the building footprint, relying on smart redesign and adaptive reuse of existing spaces.

  • Elevated Patient & Visitor Experience: The finished lobby and chapel areas offer a calm, modern, and welcoming experience for patients, families, and staff alike.

Result:
Delivered over the course of 7 months, this complex, phased renovation stands as a testament to Raymond R. Houle Construction’s expertise in healthcare construction, especially in occupied and sensitive environments. From behavioral health upgrades to sacred space relocation, our team met every challenge with precision, care, and commitment to quality.