Medical Center’s Modernization Project Grows

The first phase of a $157 million modernization of NorthBay Medical Center in Fairfield is slated to open in the third quarter of 2019. The three-story, 77,000-square-foot wing will be watertight by mid-October, prior to the rainy season. The building’s steel structure and metal decks are in place and mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems are being roughed in, according to Joelyn Gropp, assistant vice president of Real Estate & Facilities Development for NorthBay Healthcare.

To accommodate growth and minimize cost and disruption later, space on the third floor that was set aside for future expansion will now be developed with the current phase of construction. The extra space will be built as general surgery operating rooms; one with robotic capacity, and another with the ability to be converted to an endoscopy room.

The extra construction will add approximately five months to the project, Joelyn explained.

“The building incorporates a modern design with large areas of glass and metal panels to reflect the advanced medicine we deliver,” Joelyn said. “The exterior glass walls will lend to the healing environment we are creating by providing lots of natural light deep inside the building and views to the beautifully landscaped areas outside.”

The new wing will also include a modern cafeteria with indoor and outdoor seating, nutrition services, diagnostic imaging and central supply. Also included are 22 new “patient rooms of the future” featuring the latest technology in health care, and 17 additional post-acute care beds.

The architect for the project is Ratcliff Architects of Emeryville and the contractor is DPR Construction of Sacramento.