Aligning Project Goals to Your Business Goals

A Case Study of Illinois CancerCare

It is not uncommon for clients to seek out preliminary advice in studying their facility options as they plan for their future business growth. This is usually a result of not having experienced the complex process of conceiving, executing and delivering a new facility. Owners understand their facility needs, such as more space; more efficient work flow; and improved market presence. However, they don’t have the time or staff to manage the myriad of consultants and specialists required to generate the best value for their capital dollars.

This is where the need for professional help to define and align project goals with their business goals is a necessity. As a full-service construction and development firm, Russell has helped numerous clients navigate the complex waters of defining, designing and competitively delivering new state-of-the-art medical facilities.

Illinois CancerCare

In September of 2013, Russell was contacted by the Urology Physicians Group, located in Galesburg, Illinois. Through an existing partnership with Illinois CancerCare, a regional oncology physician group, together they wished to expand their services and develop a new cancer specialty treatment center in Galesburg.  Russell has previously developed a 10,500 s.f. medical office clinic for the Department of Veterans Affairs in Galesburg and had an adjacent available site that was ideal for office use.

In the fall of 2013, Russell’s team met with the physician group and proposed a phased Design / Build / Leaseback process. The initial programming phase took three weeks to complete and resulted in confirming the facility size, site layout and proforma, including rent rates and terms. After the initial meeting, a preliminary agreement was reached with size and rental rates established, and the fast-track process quickly began. Bi-monthly planning meetings were established between Russell and the Owner, and a custom facility design was created.

Construction began in December of 2013, with the facility ready for owner occupancy in July 2014, just 10 months from the initial client meeting. The scope of the project included a 9,500 s.f. new oncology clinic with a lab, pharmacy, CT Scanner room, 14 seat cancer treatment area and extensive landscaping and 10,000 s.f. of exterior paving.

All the original program goals were achieved including utilizing the original proposed rental rates, budget, schedule and quality expectations. The value Russell provided was in the speed and accuracy of the rent proposition. By controlling the land and correctly sizing the project, were able to build the custom facility faster than any other provider.