GOALS OF THE STUDY
Our client was looking to expand her medical practice into an existing building in a town nearby. After locating a property for sale, we conducted a feasibility study to see if the building and site could be converted from the existing retail use to medical offices, within the due diligence period of her offer to purchase.
Our goals for this feasibility study were to study the existing building and site for the new use of medical offices without major changes to the building:
- Determine best fit-out plan to support the program needs
- Perform zoning parking calculations
- Perform septic calculations
- Survey and create a site development plan
- Obtain CAM (Coastal Area Management) approval
- Obtain approval from Planning and Zoning Board
PROCESS
We started by measuring the interior and exterior of the building to create our base drawings. After confirming the client’s program – the list and size of exam rooms, waiting room, staff and other rooms – we drew up a layout of spaces on the main floor and two loft-like second floors, that will fit the requirements of the client and create a welcoming environment for patients.
We calculated parking and performed a code review and ensured our layout is ADA accessible.
Concurrently, a civil engineer and surveyor were working toward the site survey and development plan, locating all major site elements, flood plane elevations, and new parking layout. Calculations revealed we do not need to expand the current septic system.
APPROVALS
We found we needed the following approvals:
- Coastal Area Management approval
- Site Plan Review for change of use, through Planning & Zoning
Our civil engineer prepared and received approval for the Coastal Area Management plan. Together we presented to the Planning & Zoning committee and obtained our site approvals.
RESULTS
Following approvals, we are proceeding with the design of the building and site, to provide construction documents in Spring of 2017.