Cohoes Primary Care/Pediatrics (Cohoes Primary), owned by Seton Health System, wanted to relocate to a larger facility. Over a three-year period, Hyman Hayes Associates evaluated several alternative sites. The poor condition of available space and the need to keep operating costs low made this a challenging task.

Cohoes Commons, a building originally constructed as an outlet mall, was identified as a possible site. We worked closely with Seton Health System on lease negotiations, resulting in the turnover of 3,580-sf of totally gutted space with all required utilities and a reduction in rent in return for being responsible for the $242,000 build-out.

With the space in hand, Hyman Hayes Associates focused on the project's main challenge - to provide for separation of adult and pediatric patients while providing shared support spaces and creating a consistent identity. To accomplish this, we designed a shared "central core" that included registration, a nurses' station, medical records, checkout, and clean utility/med storage. One side of the core was designed as a pediatric facility with four exam rooms. The other side was designed as an adult facility, also containing four exam rooms. A separate entry off the pediatrics side was provided for ill children so they would not be in contact with others in the waiting room.