89% of the way there!

Wow, it is hard to believe the new building will be wrapping up already by mid summer. In May, we will begin the final punch list of items to complete the construction and start with all of the necessary inspections. Then we will begin with the furnishings, licensure, and getting all of the medical and clinical equipment in place. Still a lot to be done, but amazing to be this close when we've been at it for just 30 weeks. Whew!

To date, the structural and the rough mechanical, electrical, and plumbing are 100% finished. The crews are now working on the finish mechanical, electrical, and plumbing, and all of the interior details. On the outside, the roofing and siding are 90% complete, and the curb cuts and concrete have all been poured so the parking areas are ready for asphalt this spring. Now the Special Tree IT team will get going with making sure all of our networking and electronic hook ups are in place so we will have top notch technology running through our state-of-the-art center.

Specialty items are also being installed including our in-wall oxygen panel system, automatic doors, kitchen equipment, wander guard, nurse call system, and more.

NeuroCare Campus Expansion: Ready, Set, Go!

Exciting news! Our permits, financing, contractors, and the stars are finally all in alignment. On Wednesday, September 29, 2010 we will officially break ground to construct a new building to expand our NeuroCare Campus. We have been working for more than two years with our staff, outside consultants, architects, engineers, the City of Romulus, accountants, clients, families and others to design a full service, state-of-the-art rehabilitation environment. While our staff already provide outstanding care, the amenities in the new building and surrounding campus will enable them to truly let their talents shine. This expansion will help Special Tree continue to provide the best opportunities for healing and recovery to our clients and their circle of support.

The new building and surrounding landscape will include:

• 39 private rooms
• Advanced in-wall equipment for respiratory care in 27 rooms
• 27 Showers in clinical wings plus 2 in therapy clinic
• Centrally located client/family lounge located adjacent to nurses’ station
• Business Center for families and visitors
• 3-Season Sunroom attached to dining room
• Dedicated Activities and Therapeutic Recreation area adjacent to dining room
• Exterior play area for young clients and visitors
• New staff lounge
• Expanded walking path/nature trail following perimeter of wetlands and wildlife habitat
• Pond with waterfall, gazebo and accessible fishing areas
• Security system with cameras to monitor parking lots and exits
• Expanded parking
• New entrance via private drive off of Hannan Road

We have a great deal of work ahead of us. The project is scheduled to be completed in just under one year’s time. We will continue operations at the existing NeuroCare Center. Client, staff, and visitor safety is our number one priority as we navigate the construction to successfully complete the project and launch our new building.

Stay tuned for updates on the expansion here on our NCC blog. For questions or concerns, contact Jim Richert, Property Manager for Special Tree at
734-893-1000.

image: artist rendering of new building, 2010