Meeting the Urgency of Healthcare Construction

Our team recently completed a fast-tracked renovation of Genoa Pharmacy; an operational pharmacy located within a mental health facility. We are very proud of the work by our team and subcontractors and thank them for the sacrifices that went in to working for 11 days straight during the pharmacy’s off hours to ensure this project was completed on time.

Project Overview

This renovation focused on enhancing the pharmacy’s functionality and accessibility, including:

  • Installing a new walk-up service window for patient convenience

  • Adding a new patient consultation room

  • Integrating a split HVAC system for improved climate control

  • Upgrading casework and storage solutions for better organization and workflow

Meeting the Urgency of Healthcare

One of the most critical aspects of this project was the expedited schedule. As an active pharmacy within a mental health facility, the space could not be shut down during construction. To maintain pharmaceutical operations, a licensed pharmacist had to be onsite at all times—including working overtime—to maintain compliance and continuity of care. Our deadline was non-negotiable: the renovated space had to be fully operational in time for a scheduled state inspection.

Adapting Under Pressure

To meet these aggressive timelines, our team and subcontractors made several critical adjustments:

  • Working concurrently: We coordinated subcontractors to work simultaneously within a shared space, maximizing efficiency without compromising safety or quality.

  • Inspection workaround strategies: Delays in inspection scheduling required flexible planning. We rescheduled tasks to stay productive during waiting periods.

  • Material substitutions: Long lead times and delayed shipments pushed us to identify alternate construction methods and materials that could meet project specs without impacting the schedule or quality.

Challenges in a Tight Space

Among the most notable challenges:

  • Coordinating multiple trades in a compact workspace, which demanded daily logistical planning and communication

  • Securing long-lead items ahead of schedule, requiring early procurement and flexibility

  • Inspection timing, which had the potential to delay key milestones, was mitigated through strategic scheduling and close communication with inspectors

Team Collaboration

This project would not have been successful without the skill and dedication of our design and trade partners:

  • Architect: Carve Architects

  • Electrical: Danard Electric

  • Plumbing: Tacoma Plumbing

  • HVAC: Air Systems HVAC

  • Fire Protection: Red Hawk Fire Sprinkler

And non-design trade partners:

  • GWB, Insulation, Steel Framing: DL Hendricksen

  • Acoustic Tile: Acoustics Northwest

  • Flooring: NFI Enterprises

  • Service Window: Sound Glass

  • Painting: Sullivan Painting

Final Thoughts

This project is a testament to what can be achieved when a team rallies around a shared mission. Despite tight timelines, logistical challenges, and an active healthcare setting, we delivered a safe, modern, and efficient pharmacy that will support the vital work of mental health professionals for years to come.

Have a time-sensitive project? Merit will be your partner from start to finish and work with you to create a project schedule that works for you and your clients, without compromising quality. Let’s talk about how to bring your vision to life – on time and with care. Contact us today!

Kasey Byorick