Construction Begins on New Pavilion for MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Memorial

LONG BEACH, Calif. — Construction has begun on the Todd Cancer Pavilion on the campus of Long Beach Memorial designed by Long Beach-based c|a ARCHITECTS and MHP Structural Engineers. The program for the iconic new building, which will serve as the welcoming entry to the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute, includes outpatient treatment, breast imaging, doctors’ clinics and conference space. The project also involves the renovation of the second and third floors of an existing administration building that will contain the new outpatient facility. The entire project is scheduled to complete construction in March 2013.

“With the addition of this entry pavilion the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute has a new presence in the community,” said David Smith, project manager for c|a ARCHITECTS. “The light-filled, two-story lobby with its warm woods, natural materials and views to the outside will provide a patient-friendly, healing environment.”

The vaulting lobby space houses a first floor reception and waiting room. The open, sculptural staircase leads to the second and third floors that connect to 66,000 square feet of remodeled space in the existing building. Breast imaging and research, a resource center and staff spaces will be located on the second floor and an infusion center, infusion pharmacy, and clinic space on third. There also is a healing garden on the roof of the new pavilion, which will provide a respite for patients and family.

“Although the Pavilion connects to an older building on the medical center campus, the distinctive design of the building with its multiple roof levels and large glazed window walls creates a strong, highly visible identity for the Institute,” notes Rick Beall, MHP project structural engineer.  By analyzing the existing structure and incorporating the same method of lateral resistance for the addition (a steel moment frame) the design avoided the need for a seismic joint between the new entry and the existing structure, which provided for a cost savings to the project.

In addition to the structural building design, MHP provided equipment anchorage for all new mechanical and medical equipment.