UPMC Mercy Heliport Relocation

The UPMC Mercy Hospital Helipad Relocation project was a new-construction initiative relocating the hospital’s existing helipad to the roof of the facility. The design architect compiled a national project team qualified to lead the effort as required by intensive federal guidelines.

Construction involved a new rooftop helipad, and new building with reception, decontamination, and control service areas, supporting medevac pilots and staff. Additionally, the hospital underwent interior work to supplement the project including the extension of two elevator shafts, relocation of a stairway, and integration of complex structural connections. MEP services included the reevaluation of existing building pressurization and various upgrades.

The new helipad provides an unobstructed viewpoint for air ambulance crews during approach and departure saving precious time for a critically ill or injured patient. The project exceeded client expectations and is now an acclaimed regional welcoming arrival point for sick patients and flight crew.

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Details

Architecture Firm: MCF Architecture

Project Team: William Szymczak, AIA, LEED AP BD+C; Tim Powers, RA, NCARB; Tom Pierce, RA; Salim Alias, RA; Michael Finley, NCARB, AIA

Client: UPMC

Contractor: Mascaro Construction, Dave Kimmel - General Contractor

Engineers: Barber & Hoffman, Tyler McGrady, P.E. - Structural Engineer; CJL Engineering, Kris Rickabaugh - Electrical Engineer; CJL Engineering, Ryan Maxwell, PE - HVAC Engineer

Photographer: Ed Massery

Consultants: Acentech, Thomas McGraw, LEED AP - Acoustics Consultant; Acentech, Jeffrey Zapfe, PhD. - Vibration Consultant; Elevator Management Services, Suzanne Sieber, CEI - Elevator Consultant; Heliport Systems, William Davis - Heliport Consultant; Novus Environmental, Jason Slusarczyk, P. Eng. - Environmental Consultant; Mark J. Sobeck Roof Consulting, Mark Sobeck - Roof Consultant