County of Monterey Health Department

Headquarters

Salinas, California
Architects: 

Wald, Ruhnke & Dost

Contractors: 

TBD

About the Client: 

The Monterey County Health Department provides a wide variety of health-related services to county residents.

Project Description: 

This distinctive ground-up project consists of a two-story 47,600 square foot steel and glass structure. Phase I includes the construction of the new Health Headquarters. Phase II will include the abatement and demolition of the two existing Health Department buildings and the development of the parking lots and surrounding site work that completes the project.

Special Features and Challenges: 

The project includes a 5,000 square foot lab used by the Health Department to test and study a variety materials. The lab includes fume hoods, biological safety cabinets, and vacuum, natural gas, and compressed air at the lab benches. Also included is a negative-pressure isolation room for patients with highly contagious diseases. 

This space is designed with flexible lab furniture to allow the work surfaces and storage areas to be adjusted and moved as technology and science change over time.

Nova Partners' Role: 

Nova Partners was engaged by the County of Monterey to manage the design and bidding of the project. Nova also provided preconstruction services, including estimating reviews, project budget development and maintenance, and schedule development and maintenance. As the program was being developed, Nova worked with the various user groups to compile their needs in terms of adjacencies, locations in the building, and mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and IT requirements. As the project went through design, Nova also managed the planning and building permit process. Prior to bidding, Nova created the general contractor prequalification process through close collaboration with the County Council.

Throughout the course of this project, Nova worked with the County to report to the Board of Supervisors and the Capital Improvement Committee. Additionally, Nova reviewed the design team invoices and requests for additional services.