Project Description:
Zahn Periodontal construction was completed in 2012 (during the Great Recession) as a ground-up new medical office building, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Main Level (2,523 s.f.) + Lower Level (772 s.f.) = 3,295 total square feet. Construction cost = $784,000 (including site work, excluding dental equipment and land cost).
Appraisal:
As real estate land value plunged in 2008, it was very challenging to obtain financing for a medical office development on a small site. As a result of direct conversations between the lender’s appraiser and the architect, lower level medical lease space was added to take advantage of a sloping site, and provided an increase in appraised value of $90,000. Adding lower level lease space was highly beneficial for the Owner. The increased appraised value of the real estate asset was higher than anticipated construction cost; therefore, the bank was pleased to approve a construction loan for the Owner.
Client Testimonial:
"Dean Kahremanis Architects were professional and friendly. Dean takes the time to get to know you and your needs first. Then works hard to design with you to see your dream come to life. His willingness to work with you to design and redesign until it is just right was tireless. His attention to detail is second to none. He brought design detail and ideas to the project that made the overall end product very impressive. I love to go to work now, not just because it is a new space but because the design works so well. Even the little details that he designed in, that I did not realize at first, look great. I have gotten nothing but complements on the looks both inside and out. I would highly recommend Dean and his team for your next project". - Mark D. Zahn D.D.S., M.S.
The architects coordinated directly with Beldon Brick Company to create a custom selection of additional colors to enhance the Meadow Blend color palate. Meadow Blend is typically created as a sand mold brick; however, we asked Beldon to create a custom brick form to enhance brick edges. The architect negotiated brick pricing directly with Beldon, purchased by the mason to eliminate a standard mark-up from the general contractor.
During the design process, architects worked directly with the mason, to successfully modify exterior limestone panels to cast concrete panels. An excellent quality solution that saved approximately $5,000 in construction cost.
Underground storm water detention was modified to above ground rain gardens to significantly reduce site construction costs by $40,000.
The architects worked directly with Pella Corporation to order low-e, insulated glass window units and doors, to reduce solar heat gain, and to eliminate the markup typically charged by the general contractor.
Operable vent windows are strategically located on the North and South Elevations to provide natural cross-ventilation in warm months of the year.
The efficiently designed periodontal office is located on the main floor. Two Surgical Suites and (4) Hygiene Operatories are strategically positioned along the North side of the building to provide optimal natural daylighting benefits. The Sterilization Area is centrally located for easy access for all Operatories and Surgical Suites.
Surgical Suites (3 & 4) are designed for future use. The areas are pre-plumbed from the floor below, and currently accommodate a Staff Lounge and Dr. Zahn’s Private Office & Restroom. As Dr. Zahn’s business model expands, minor renovation will be required to build-out Surgical Suites (3 & 4) without requiring building expansion or additional parking.
Currently, the Lower Level is leased-out to a private client to provide rental income. As business expands, the Staff Lounge and Dr. Zahn’s Office will be relocated to the Lower Level to accommodate new Surgical Suites (3 & 4) on the Main Level. A sound-proofing system was used to eliminate noise between floors.
Design solutions are difficult for clients to envision. Several 3-D computer design concepts were provided a method for the Owner to understand the intent of each design solution, and how they fit together as a whole.
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