Cottage Hospital, Goleta Valley: Breast Imaging Center
Because of his stellar track record working with Cottage Hospital, Santa Barbara, during the construction of their new campus (6 years as the Project Manager), Vinny Arndt, President of Arndt Construction Inc. (ACI) was invited to bid on their $600k Goleta Valley Breast Imaging project. Although Vinny’s bid was not the lowest, his proposal was the most thorough and well put together, and Cottage Hospital firmly believed that Arndt Construction Inc. could absolutely handle a job of this complexity and magnitude.
From start to finish, ACI worked with Lead Architect Rosa Alvarado of PMSM Architects. Alvarado recalls, “Vinny is the only contractor in town who initiated a sit down meeting with me in order to go over the design drawings. I was immediately impressed with his proactive efforts to map out any unforeseen challenges and expectations prior to construction.” Mrs. Alvarado went on to say that Vinny submitted what she considered a “highly responsible bid”.
Exceeding Expectations
Above all else, Cottage Hospital needed to set realistic goals around completing within a strict 8 month timeline in order for the entire Breast Care department to vacate a building that was slated for demolition. To this end, it was imperative that their contractor be someone who was available, present, and responsible. Based on their prior experience with Arndt Construction Inc., they were confident that Vinny and his team would exceed their expectations. According to Alvarado, “Vinny kept us informed during every step of construction. He was responsive to feedback and phone calls and was 100 % transparent about any and all deviations to the original scope of work.” ACI rose to the challenge and completed the project ahead of schedule.
Project Highlights
First and foremost, working in a healthcare environment meant that construction needed to adhere to OSHPD (The Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development in CA) requirements and technical standards. Because of their vast understanding of how best to work within these stringent regulations, this was right in line with ACI’s level of expertise. Second, one of the biggest successes in working with ACI was their detail-oriented approach in handling existing hospital equipment. It was important that the equipment be carefully planned for so it would fit properly into its new space. Vinny played an integral role in making sure this happened. It was indeed a seamless transition. One other structural detail involved work that many never have the opportunity to see- underground utilities. ACI made sure that these were strategically and perfectly placed, which was no easy feat.
A Favorable Outcome
Rosa and the entire Cottage team could not have been more appreciative about how well everyone worked together, “When you have multiple personalities coming together for a project of this caliber- Cottage Hospital team, architect/designer, and contractor, you need your ‘A Team’. Vinny and Glenn (Working Foreman, ACI) were always very kind and patient with us. Overall, everyone worked well together, respecting each other’s roles throughout the entire process.” Because of the favorable outcome, Cottage Hospital continues to bring in Arndt Construction Inc. for many of their ongoing construction projects to date.