Mental Health Association Oklahoma | Legacy Plaza
LDKerns was contracted for Construction Management for the renovation of five floors at Legacy Tower to house MHAO. In 1955 local advocates formed Mental Health Association Oklahoma (originally known as the Tulsa County Mental Health Council). Their programs include housing, mental health education, support groups, pro bono counseling, mental health screening and referral, suicide prevention, peer-to-peer recovery services, employment readiness, community health and wellness initiatives, and criminal justice advocacy. The original contract value was $2,235,000.00 and performed for a lump sum bid through a competitive bidding process.
The MHAO renovation started with 43,000sf of empty shell space located on the top four levels and basement level of the Western Legacy Plaza Tower. Within 6 months, this large stage was transformed from bare concrete floors into a world class facility. Located in the heart of Midtown, Legacy Plaza offers an elevated 360 degrees of open views. To take advantage of this natural benefit, the design focused on utilizing every window available leaving only utility rooms without a breathtaking view. Upon exiting the elevator on the top 4 floors, staff and guests are treated with immediate feeling of openness, as the elevator lobbies seamlessly transition into open common areas with kitchen amenities, upscale lighting, and local art that reflects pride in the city of Tulsa. This seamless transition was achieved while keeping the building fire safe with the use of large fire rated overhead doors that remain open at all times unless there is a fire emergency. Substantial completion was achieved on schedule due to weekly contractor meetings keeping all entities in line with the team effort. Because of the low structural height and the high efficiency systems installed, contractor coordination was critical to achieve success.
Building Features Include:
- High-end open facility designed to take advantage of nature views and light.
- Multiple collaborative galleries staged with bright colors and modern art.
- Modern conference and training rooms with state-of-the-art audio/visual technology.
- Modern electronic systems and access control.
- Tulsa focused artwork.
Specific Challenges:
- Work performed in a multi-story building.
- Spaces were confined due to the existing structure.
- Collaborative efforts with other contractors performing additional projects within the building.
- Renovations were performed around an existing structure with inconsistent wall dimensions and floors that were not level.
- Scheduling long lead item for a quick turnaround project.
Overall Project Success:
- Due to the continual Safety Meetings and training, there were no Safety incidents to report.
- Weekly contractor/subcontractor coordination meetings kept a tight schedule on track.
- The three-week look-ahead schedule helped to identify the areas that needed progression.
- Construction was completed on time and on budget.
Working closely with Selser Schaefer Architects, we are proud to have assisted in providing this welcoming environment with functional spaces. The use of interior storefront was used on all office walls allowing the flow of natural light into the common corridors keeping that open feeling throughout, highlighting MHAOs Mission of improving the health and lives of fellow Tulsans.
