By Roland Murphy for AZBEX
The Chandler Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of a preliminary development plan for a proposed new 100.2KSF medical office building on 2.7 acres at CommonSpirit Health’s Chandler Regional Medical Center.
Located at the SEC of Frye and Dobson roads, the CRMC campus has seen an increasing demand for service from the surrounding community, according to supporting documents from project design firm and applicant Devenney Group Architects.
The submission says, “MOB II is part of the larger CRMC campus and is designed to provide services and support for Chandler Regional Hospital. The proposed MOB II will provide hospital outpatient rehabilitation services and specialty medical practices (e.g., orthopedics, trauma, GI, brain and spine and thoracic). In addition to medical services, there may be some employee training space related to hospital service and care. It is important to note that the uses will evolve and be added over time to provide the best quality patient care/services possible within the CRMC campus.”
The current campus includes the hospital and medical office buildings located toward Frye and Dobson. Most of the campus’ developable land and existing surface parking is located toward the rear of the campus near Fairview Street. The submission says this makes the proposed location ideal for a new MOB because it does not need immediate street frontage or visibility from the intersection.
Since the proposed building will be on a developed healthcare campus with significant existing parking, the submission requests a parking ratio modification for fewer spaces than would be required for an independent facility. One space/150SF of building area would normally be required. The submission seeks a modification of one space/200SF.
The submission notes the existing Morrison Building on the campus will be taken out of service and eventually torn down. “If there is a need, CommonSpirit can redevelop the Morrison Building parcel into a parking lot with 309 additional parking spaces,” the submission says. The company submitted a parking contingency plan in July that provides options if there are problems with the proposed parking ratio for the MOB II and says it is open to discussions to determine the best course of action to provide adequate parking.
The building design is intended to integrate with the current facilities. “The four-story structure will feature modern architectural styling consistent with the existing medical campus, incorporating high-quality materials and finishes that reflect the professional and clinical nature of the use. Key architectural features include a combination of glass curtain wall systems and high-performance exterior cladding to provide visual interest, solar performance, and continuity with adjacent buildings,” the submission says.
The project will require only minor demolition and reworking of the existing site to prepare for construction. Site improvements will include a revised hardscape and new pedestrian pathways and accessible routes.
The submission urges approval of the preliminary development plan and says, “The proposed MOB II will adjust to the market demand for healthcare, existing/planned developments occurring within this area of the city, and the need for services. When completed, the final buildout will fit seamlessly within the current and future context of the area and provide a solid/sustainable employment hub.”
The Commission’s recommendation of approval was unanimous in the Sept. 17 meeting.
The owner is CommonSpirit Health. The design firm is Devenney Group Architects, with landscape planning by SLR.
