Case Study: The Steadman Clinic and Steadman Philippon Research Institute

Innovation in the Mountains

Introduction

Constructing a state-of-the-art medical facility is always challenging. Doing so in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains while coordinating the needs of five distinct stakeholders elevates that challenge to a new level. Haselden Construction rose to the occasion with the Steadman Clinic and Steadman Philippon Research Institute, a 65,000-square-foot orthopedic care center designed to provide cutting-edge treatment and research capabilities to the Roaring Fork Valley community.

Project Features

The facility includes advanced features such as MRI suites, an ambulatory surgery center with four operating rooms (expandable to six), procedure rooms, recovery areas, exam rooms, and administrative spaces. In addition, it houses the Steadman Philippon Research Institute, which focuses on pioneering orthopedic research. A critical goal of the project was to harmonize the facility’s functionality with its scenic mountain surroundings, creating a healing environment filled with natural light and panoramic views.

Haselden’s expertise and dedication ensured the project’s successful completion despite numerous challenges, including complex stakeholder coordination, pandemic-related supply chain disruptions, and environmental obstacles such as natural disasters.

Challenges Overcome

Coordinating Stakeholders with Distinct Needs: The project required balancing the needs of five stakeholders, including four tenants and a property owner. Each tenant had unique requirements, and their scopes often overlapped or depended on each other, necessitating meticulous coordination. For example, the mechanical systems, room configurations, and the building’s exterior design had to accommodate all stakeholders’ visions while maintaining functionality. Haselden’s team embraced a proactive communication approach, ensuring all parties were informed and involved at every step. Regular meetings, detailed progress updates, and collaborative decision-making allowed the team to blend tenant needs seamlessly into a cohesive final design.

Supply Chain Disruptions: The COVID-19 pandemic introduced significant supply chain challenges, particularly regarding critical materials such as prefabricated ceiling panels for the operating rooms. These panels were essential, as they housed surgical equipment, lighting, and booms, but a six-week delay threatened to derail the construction schedule. Haselden re-sequenced the construction schedule, completing work on the second and third floors while waiting for the panels. This adaptive approach allowed the team to maintain progress without compromising quality. Subcontractors were mobilized twice to accommodate the re-sequencing, ensuring interior finishes were completed efficiently once the panels arrived.

Limited Onsite Storage: The site’s constrained location, as the last undeveloped plot in Willits Town Center, posed logistical challenges. With no room for storing materials onsite, deliveries had to be carefully planned to avoid roadblocks and ensure materials were available precisely when needed. Subcontractors were asked to store materials in their warehouses until installation. Haselden also secured a nearby lot for additional storage to accommodate materials for subcontractors who lacked space, ensuring the project remained on track.

Navigating Natural Obstacles: Halfway through construction, historic mudslides in Glenwood Canyon completely shut down the primary transportation route between Denver and Basalt for over two weeks. This unexpected natural disaster further delayed the delivery of specialized materials and labor. The team rerouted materials and personnel through alternate routes, such as Grand Junction, and worked closely with subcontractors to adjust schedules. These efforts minimized the impact on the timeline, showcasing Haselden’s resilience and problem-solving capabilities.

Innovative Construction Techniques

Innovation was a hallmark of this project, as the team employed creative solutions to address technical and environmental challenges while enhancing the facility’s functionality and aesthetic appeal. Haselden blended steel and concrete structural systems to preserve the building’s mountain views, avoiding obstructive brace framing. This approach maintained the integrity of the building’s design while ensuring its structural stability. To mitigate the risks of weather-related delays, the team opted for shotcrete over precast concrete for foundational elements. Shotcrete eliminated the need for extensive excavation, reducing the risk of flooding and saving valuable time during construction.

Haselden utilized Building Information Modeling (BIM) extensively, allowing the team to map out mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems precisely. This was particularly important for accommodating specialized medical equipment, such as the MRI machine, which required a vibration-free concrete slab foundation isolated from the rest of the building.

Community Impact

Safety was a top priority throughout the project. Operating in the center of a community hub, Haselden implemented strict safety measures to protect pedestrians and minimize disruptions. These included:

• Perimeter fencing and controlled access points to ensure safety for nearby residents.
• Adjusted work hours and delivery schedules to respect quiet hours and traffic patterns.

Additionally, the onset of COVID-19 required innovative health protocols. Outdoor meetings, QR code-based health screenings, and other measures ensured the safety of all workers. Notably, the project was completed without any COVID-related shutdowns or major incidents.

Beyond construction, Haselden prioritized the project’s long-term value to the Roaring Fork Valley. The facility reduces travel times for residents who previously had to seek care in Vail or Aspen, fostering better access to advanced medical treatments. The Steadman Philippon Research Institute further enriches the community by advancing orthopedic research and treatment methods.

Conclusion

Haselden Construction’s work at the Steadman Clinic and Steadman Philippon Research Institute demonstrates the company’s ability to overcome complex challenges and deliver transformative projects. By combining technical expertise, innovative thinking, and a steadfast commitment to safety and community, Haselden created a facility that will serve the Roaring Fork Valley for generations. This project is a shining example of how Haselden Construction continues to build the future—one extraordinary project at a time.