Are you a real estate professional considering the adaptive reuse of buildings originally intended for a non-medical tenants? The growing demand for ambulatory and specialized off-campus care has put medical space at a premium and made non-medical properties more attractive. And a recent article about cost-conscious Indianapolis-area hospital systems opting for space in existing buildings over new medical construction may provide an added incentive for considering an adaptive reuse strategy.
But be prepared. Adaptive reuse has its challenges. Beyond the specialized demands of an medical office building (MOB), your finish out of individual offices may require more TI dollars to attract tenants.
The following MOB Best Practices highlight some design and structural requirements and codes and regulations you may have overlooked.
BEST PRACTICES #1: UNDERSTAND STRUCTURAL AND MEP REQUIREMENTS
The special equipment of physicians, dentists and healthcare professionals often require buildings to get special structural and mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades.
Building Load: Confirm floors can withstand the weight of heavier equipment like MRI and CT Scan machines – which is why we also recommend placing them on the first floor. And make sure elevators are large enough to transport equipment.
Walls and Floors: For radiology labs, medical equipment often requires lead lined walls and floors
Water and Power: Make sure the building can handle the more robust power and water demands of your tenants’ equipment and procedures.
BEST PRACTICES #2: UNDERSTAND CLINICAL PROCESSES
Life Safety: Install interior materials and finishes that guard against the increased likelihood of patient slips and falls and minimize any volatile organic compounds or off-gassing.
Infection Control: To minimize infection, use nonporous surfaces and seal seams between finishes (larger tile, seamless floors that are heat welded) in offices.
BEST PRACTICES #3: BE AWARE OF HIPAA AND ADA CODES AND CITY REGULATIONS
Compliance with American with Disabilities Act and The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) are particularly critical in medical office buildings.
In common areas, make sure egresses, floor layouts, elevators, corridors, bathrooms and furniture meet ADA requirements and can accommodate the needs of patients especially bariatric, geriatric and neurological patients.
In office suites, ensure walls in exam rooms attenuate sound to comply with HIPAA requirements and patient privacy needs.
Accommodate for more parking spaces as city zoning ordinances often require more parking spaces per 1,000 square feet of office space than non-medical office buildings and covered drop-off areas outside front entrances.
BEST PRACTICES #4: SELECT EXPERIENCED MEDICAL DESIGNERS
Select an interior designer with actual medical interior design experience who understands the demands of a medical space.
Armed with these practices, you will better positioned to take advantage of adaptive reuse opportunities and avoid costly change orders down the road.