Medical advancements can mean all the difference in a patient’s life, especially when bringing a new therapy option to a community in need. Discover how V3’s Land Development team helped expand a cancer facility—and treatment options—in Charlotte.
Tomorrow’s treatment, today
Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center is a state-of-the-art treatment facility serving the Charlotte area and beyond. Known for providing the most advanced therapy options to the Carolinas, the Center was eager to add proton-beam therapy—a highly precise form of radiation that accomplishes high success with fewer side effects—to its robust service offerings. At the time, the nearest proton-beam facility was located nearly 1,000 miles away in Kansas City, so bringing this cutting-edge technology would provide tremendous value to local cancer patients and their loved ones.
Atrium kicked off an ambitious third-building expansion to their campus specifically to house the massive machinery needed to produce proton beams. At three stories tall, the radiation apparatus itself requires a massive footprint, and with limited space available, it would take exceptional creativity and problem solving to get the job done.
V3 provided civil engineering and landscape architecture services for this important project. Having partnered with Atrium on its past two campus expansions, the team was ready to make a difference.
Small space, life-changing impact
Our team worked closely with Atrium to properly sequence project logistics, ensuring the existing cancer center front entry stay open as long as possible so as not to disrupt patient treatment. This goal was easier said than done: the new building was planned on an oddly shaped, 1.75-acre corner lot, with two major roads on each side. Not only that, but the connecting parking structure required consistent patient access as well.
V3’s engineers worked through the logistic hurdles and landed on a precise schedule of construction events. First up was creating an underground stormwater detention center large enough to accommodate the building’s needs on a small, awkward footprint. This, paired with elevation challenges and water line connections impacted by the adjoining roads, meant our team juggled constant coordination.
At three stories tall, the proton machine’s placement was another engineering puzzle. Dramatic site grading meant the first story was underground; 8-foot-thick walls were built to protect against radiation.
The building itself accounted for 36,000 sq. ft. with the remaining acreage allocated to a connection drive and green space. Healthcare is a deeply personal experience, so making the new space technologically efficient while also inviting and easy to navigate was a top priority.
Bringing healthcare solutions to life
V3 has extensive healthcare experience, building everything from medical offices to free-standing emergency departments, but by bringing a rare yet powerful treatment option to the area, our team was able to help serve a community in need.
“Every project we do has value, but being part of something that’s a first is always meaningful. This technology benefits so many people, and knowing we helped bring a treatment that will help patients recover faster is really special.”
David Klausman, P.E., CMCSI, Senior Project Manager
Work with V3’s Land Development experts
No matter the project type, size, or complexity, our civil engineers understand that every land development project presents unique design issues that require creativity. Proactive, efficient solutions are then paired with a pursuit of project excellence from our broad spectrum of experts. Connect with our team to learn more.