VA Modernize Pathology Department Building

Coffman provided civil, mechanical, electrical, and fire protection engineering planning and design services for the modernization of the VA pathology department building in San Diego. The building includes clinical laboratory spaces, office spaces, and other required support spaces. The total modification area was 17,230 sf and included site work in the northwest quadrant of the site.

The site work involved the placement of a temporary microbiology trailer and a temporary administrative trailer, including an accessible path of travel to these trailers from an existing above-grade metal ramp.

Electrical engineering services were provided for the existing electrical system on the pathology lab’s first floor, including interstitial space. Services included renovations to support the new lab arrangement. All existing electrical equipment and devices located in the area of work including panels, receptacles, switches, light fixtures, communication outlets, electrical and communication equipment, and associated wiring were removed and replaced. The existing distribution equipment (located in the basement) which serves panels within the work area remained to accommodate the new work.

Mechanical engineering services included HVAC and plumbing systems for various areas including histology/cytology, blood bank, core lab, microbiology, mycology (BSL-2), and mycobacteriology (BSL-3).

Fire protection engineering services included fire and smoke separation, fire sprinkler/standpipe system, and fire alarm system design from SDs through CDs.