With bright colors, geometric shapes, and soaring heights, this $56 million medical center is designed to appeal to children from 1 to 101. Draper & Associates was retained to provide comprehensive project scheduling and control services for this Hartford, Connecticut project. The 332,600 SF project included 230,000 SF of diagnostic and treatment space.

The Connecticut Children's Medical Center was a replacement facility consisting of 138 beds in an eight floor, steel structure edifice. This engagement was followed by an 18,000 SF renovation project in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Its successful completion is the result of ingenious architecture and state-of-the-art partnering technology. Using the Vistium system for the first time allowed five groups at five different locations to discuss the job. Developed by Auburn University and AT&T, this computer system allowed all parties to view progress, schedules, and problem areas while talking face-to-face.

Draper & Associates provided both construction schedule development and construction monitoring services during all phases of the project. Draper & Associates conducted bi-weekly update meetings during the construction phase, reviewing progress with the Owner, General Contractor, and all active Subcontractors. Near Term Schedules, detailed day-to-day implementation schedules derived from the Overall Project Schedule, served as the focal point of discussion during the update meetings.

Other supporting tools included the Action Item Agenda, which tracked key decisions and actions; the Trend Analysis Chart, which projected the impact of current progress on overall project completion; and the Material Status Log, which identified the status of key materials.

Draper & Associates' system of disciplines scheduling and project controls, however, couldn't prevent 200 inches of snow from falling the first winter of this project. In spite of the adverse weather conditions, this project was completed on time and within budget.