Preliminary plans for renovation of Erie's Dobbins Hall also approved
University Park, Pa. -- Final plans for the new Oncology Treatment Building, a facility that will provide necessary treatment capacity for a collaborative approach between radiation oncology and neurosurgery in the care of cancer patients at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, received approval from Penn State's Board of Trustees Friday (May 13). The board also approved preliminary plans for the renovation and expansion of Dobbins Hall, the main food service venue at Penn State Erie.
The new building at Hershey Medical Center will house a new, state-of-the-art Gamma Knife and a new Linear Accelerator in an 8,100-square-foot facility located between the hospital's south addition and parking garages. Designed by Payette Associates and Array Healthcare Facility Solutions to complement the adjacent hospital, the new building will be connected to the hospital's south addition via an enclosed corridor.
The project will include a covered walkway between the hospital and garage along the new facility's main entrance, which with the hospital entrance will lead directly to reception, registration and waiting areas, changing and consultation rooms. A staff station will control access to prep and recovery areas, exam rooms and a supply room.
Due to the use of radiation in the Gamma Knife and Linear Acceleration treatment areas and their support spaces, extensive shielding is required, resulting in extra thickness in the walls. The plans also include a staff lounge, restrooms and mechanical spaces.
The board also gave authorization to obtain bids and award contracts for the project, at a budget not to exceed $11.5 million.
The renovation and expansion of Penn State Erie's Dobbins Hall will increase serving capacity and improve dining services to keep pace with new academic and housing facilities on campus. The project will include additions on the north and south sides of the building, totaling about 10,535 square feet, while renovations will be made to about 13,000 square feet of the existing building.
Plans for the upper level include a new a la carte dining facility with seating for 200 people, a fireplace, performance space and a new outdoor seating area. The existing "all-you-can-eat" dining facility will be renovated, and both dining areas will be equipped with wireless Internet access. The upper level also will house new offices for Housing and Food Services staff and multiple restrooms. Current kitchen facilities, receiving area and stairways also will be renovated and a new service elevator will be installed.
The lower level will add a conference room for up to 18 people, a special events room for up to 50 people and an outdoor terrace. Renovated circulation space between stairs and elevators at the ends of the building will accommodate student organization tables, kiosks and pre-function space. Adjacent areas will include breakout space, a catering office and a technology assistance area. Support spaces include restrooms, mechanical space, elevators and stairways.
The lobby level of the building will contain a new entrance, stairway, elevator and mechanical space.
The architectural firm of Burt Hill Kosar Rittleman and Associates of Pittsburgh designed the building with brick to match the current Dobbins Hall, and stone to match other buildings on campus. A standing seam metal roof will match the recently completed Senat and Perry Halls.