St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital HVAC Renovation

St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, needed to upgrade its critical HVAC systems while also maintaining a fully operational healthcare environment, so it tapped healthcare construction expert Robins & Morton to tackle what was sure to be a highly complex project. The renovation encompassed key areas such as operating rooms, the emergency department, and recovery spaces. One of the primary challenges was maintaining operations while upgrading nearly every major department’s HVAC system. To address this, Robins & Morton and HPMB Consulting Engineers, devised a comprehensive three-year, 20-phase project plan. This approach minimized disruption by taking small areas — one or two operating rooms at a time — to complete work while ensuring the rest of the hospital remained unaffected. Additionally, the project team had to navigate supply chain constraints and manage unexpected construction pauses, which required innovative scheduling adaptations and meticulous coordination.

Robins & Morton’s specialization within the healthcare sector was a significant benefit to the success of this project, specifically the team’s skill with infection control procedures, which was essential to patient, staff, and visitor safety. Furthermore, the company’s ability to accommodate a two-month pause in the middle of the project without demobilizing trade contractors preserved the timeline, allowing the project to complete eight months ahead of schedule.

The successful completion of the HVAC renovation at St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital underscored the value of having Robins & Morton as a construction partner. The experienced team provided seamless communication and collaboration with hospital staff, ensuring trust and a shared focus on patient safety and operational efficiency. The innovative scheduling solutions, such as the 72-hour “Power Pack Weekend” strategy for critical shutdowns, demonstrated Robins & Morton’s adaptability and commitment. This project not only met the client’s expectations but also highlighted Robins & Morton’s expertise in managing complex renovations within active healthcare settings, setting a benchmark for future infrastructure projects.