Expanding Excelsior Town Dental for Efficiency

The exterior fits with historic charm of the neighborhood.

SITUATION

The 2,000-square-foot 1950s-era building was originally planned for use by four individual dentists plus a small space for an additional tenant. Town Dental acquired the whole building to serve their growing practice but was still tight for space and badly needed renovations due to the inefficient layout and aging construction. Since the interior of the building was being remodeled, the client wanted an updated exterior that better fit the historic feel of the neighborhood.

SOLUTION

The Foundation created a more efficient space by expanding the clinic into the whole building. This gave Town Dental more space, but the real change came with the new, efficient overall design. The interior is a blend of retro and seaside modern with blues, greens, grays and tans throughout the office. Elegant, curving limestone at the reception counter is framed by delicate blue-gray glass tiles.

The reception desk is framed by glass tile.

Soothing colors and carefully selected furnishings create a calming environment for patients to wait. Large windows allow for a bright and open atmosphere.

The waiting area is a calming environment.

The A-dec sterilization center increased the efficient use of space by remaining open to the main hallway. Every facet of the clinic design enhances functionality and maximizes the clinic’s space.

The A-dec sterilization center helps the dental team be more efficient.

RESULTS

The Foundation helped the clinic to follow the city’s historic requirements throughout the project and in the process designed a beautifully updated and expanded clinic that further reflects the historical charm of the city.

THE TEAM

Dentists: Excelsior Town Dental

• Dave Harvieux, DDS

• Chris Johnson, DDS

Architect: The Foundation Architects

• Bob Shaffer, AIA, LEED AP

• Marie Parish, Associate AIA, LEED AP, CAS

Interior Furnishings: Vicki Nolan Design

• Vicki Nolan

Contractor: Karkela Construction

• Richard Etshokin, Project Management

Dental Equipment: Benco Dental

• Doug Sperling

Take a photo tour this clinic.

Dental Case Study: Navigating City Codes toward a Successful Result

Excelsior Town Dental construction is underway! Karkela Construction is the general contractor on the project and they expect to finish this spring. When completed, the new design will feature four treatment areas within a completely re-designed, efficient space.

Space was tight at the Excelsior Town Dental. Working within the confines of an existing 2,000 square foot building, The Foundation expanded their useable space by almost two times the original clinic. By keeping the traffic flow of the clinic efficient, they were able to maximize the area of the building, gaining comfortable and productive work spaces.

Now under construction, the new Excelsior Town Dental will have a warm, welcoming exterior.

As with all construction projects, this dental clinic contained unique design challenges:

• Aging, inefficient building construction
• Difficult site constraints
• Extensive city requirements
• Expanding needs and priorities

The plans for the new location maximize efficiency in the space and give contractors clear direction.

Bob Shaffer, president of The Foundation Architects, used his background as a current city council member and his knowledge of city government to work through many difficult layers of zoning codes, community concerns, city commissions and the city council to obtain necessary variances, commission approvals and allow the clinic to move forward in an expeditious manner.

The Foundation Architects works with each dentist and clinic to meet their unique challenges with individual, personal solutions. Whether it is the look and feel of the clinic environment, or how the spaces function, our team approach with the client guides design decisions and ensures a successful overall project. See our typical dental clinic design process.

Featured Team Member

The Junila Company helped with Excelsior Town Dental project

Excelsior Town Dental was interested in staying at their current location, but needed help to determine whether remodeling was a feasible idea. Working with Tom Junnila of The Junnila Company, The Foundation Architects provided a building feasibility study and early schematic designs for cost analysis. We also guided the clinic through city processes to obtain necessary variances.

Junnila specializes in commercial real estate services for dental clinics. The company can assist dentists in lease negotiation, financial projections and analysis for an expansion or clinic relocation, and they work with an architect to see the project through construction. Read more about Junnila in this recent Star Tribune article. Partners like The Junnila Company form a part of the collaorative team with The Foundation to make a dental clinic project run smoothly and provide the best new or remodeled space for your needs.

What Do People Want in Their Homes?The 2010 Prediction

A recent article named the top 10 things consumers are looking for in a home. It is interesting to note the impact of shifts in demographics, economics and styles.

The trend report was published in concert with the International Builders Show.

One of the top ten things listed was a nice kitchen with an island.

Do you agree?

Stop by and See The Foundation at the Star of the North Meeting

The meeting will be April 22-24, 2010

The Foundation Architects will be exhibiting at the Star of the North Meeting, by the Minnesota Dental Association April 22 through 24 at the St. Paul RiverCentre. The Foundation will be located at booth #451.

“We really enjoyed our time at the Star or the North Meeting last year, meeting dental professionals,” said Bob Shaffer, president of The Foundation. “We are excited to go again this year. We will be showing additional dental projects in our portfolio.”

They expect 9,200 attendees and several hundred exhibitors at the Star of the North meeting. There will also be speakers, sessions and entertainment available for attendees. Learn more about the event and register by visiting http://star.mndental.org.

Q: What First Step Should I Take When Thinking about Building or Remodeling Our Clinic?

Dental Architecture Q & A with Architect Bob Shaffer

A: Often, what you WANT to do to is increase of patients, add new equipment or secure financing. This gets you excited about the new remodeling or building project.

However, we recommend first answering "What CAN we do?" A feasibility study can uncover city requirements, building codes and project timing issues that will impact your project.

A feasibility study looks at your clinic specifically. Product manufacturers offer information about new equipment, but don't have the local requirement information you'll need. Depending on when your clinic was last remodeled, there may be additional compliance tasks you hadn’t considered. Often city comprehensive plans or district zoning regulations need to be reviewed.

For instance, one client's clinic is located in a historic district (not a historic building), which added complexities to the project. In order to accomplish their goals, The Foundation worked to get logical variances approved by the municipality. Understanding these needs early came from conducting a feasibility study. Proactively bringing them up to the municipality helped define the work up front, which made the project more efficient.

"The Foundation Architects negotiated our project smoothly through a myriad of city approvals and unforeseen pitfalls. We would not have been able to begin our project on schedule without The Foundation. In addition, we are confident that our renovated facility will be a quality, contemporary structure that blends nicely into an historic district," said Chris Johnson, DDS, Excelsior Town Dental Dentists

Foundation Architects Recently Published in Finance and Commerce Magazine

Innovative design of long-time WCCO Radio home

The Foundation Architects project at CBS radio described in the Finance and Commerce Magazine article “Foundation Architects leaves its mark on CBS Radio building” by Brian Johnson.

CBS Radio was looking for a fresh update for their lobby, newsroom and studios. The landmark offices house WCCO 830AM, 102.9 LiteFM, 104.1 JackFM and others. The Foundation Architects worked with CBS Radio to strike a balance in their new central studio area between what is seen and heard. The design hides much of the technical equipment while revealing celebrity, personality and credibility.

Staff, advertisers and guests appreciate the natural light that creates a more welcoming atmosphere. The lobby, newsroom, studios and guest green room were updated to mirror the energy of a continuous broadcast taking place behind the microphone.

Take a photo tour of this project.