Goshow converts old offices to state-of-the-art med school.

The most advanced dental hygiene school in New York's public higher education system has just been completed by Goshow Architects at Hostos Community College in the Bronx.

The new school transforms unused administration offices on the first floor at the college's 500 Grand Concourse building into a modern, high tech medical school that boasts some of the best facilities in the state.

Of equal importance, this first-class facility has brought benefits to the local community as well. In addition to the positive response from Hostos students and a jump in enrollment for its dental hygiene program, local Bronx residents are now able to receive affordable dental care from the school. "This project demonstrates Goshow Architects' commitment to building educational and healthcare facilities that serve the community," explains Nancy Goshow, Managing Partner of Goshow Architects, which provided full architectural services for the project.

At a total cost of $6 million, the 17,500 square foot dental hygiene school comprises two primary training areas, plus four x-ray rooms, laboratories, classrooms and administration offices. The two main teaching rooms adjoin one another, with 24 dental-chair work stations in one, and a simulation room in the other, featuring regimented rows of rubber heads with gaping mouths in which students can practice.

Both spaces take full advantage of their eastern and southern exposures allowing natural daylight to pour through the extensive fenestration on both facades and spill through the open-plan spaces. Unifying the entire dental school is the customized linoleum flooring which runs the college colors--deep blue, burnt sienna and ochre--throughout, with seams welded together to prevent contaminated fluids from collecting in any cracks.

Goshow Architects collaborated closely with Hostos to keep the project within its tight schedule and budget, despite numerous changes to the initial scope of the program. Originally envisioned as a gut renovation of 500 Grand Concourse, the firm's pre-schematic study estimated the costs to be far larger than the funds Hostos had available. Determined to find a workable solution, Goshow advised splitting the renovation into multiple phases, of which the first round would be the adaptive reuse of the ground floor to house the new dental clinic, as well as an upgraded entrance lobby and elevator banks.

Future phases of site's renovation would focus on the floors above, and would commence once the necessary funds had been raised.

The constant dialogue between architects and client continued after construction began. The dental hygiene clinic was initially slated to open for the start of the 2004 academic year, putting the first phase of renovations on a fast-track two-year schedule.

Changes in key decision-making personnel at the college however, resulted in revisions to the program and the timeline being extended to three years. Even with the additional 12 months, construction still had to be carried out while the building remained occupied, something that became a major consideration for construction managers, Bradford Construction.

"We had to make sure there was the least amount of disruption to the college itself," says John Rodriguez, project executive for Bradford Construction

Noise reduction was crucial while midterm and final exams were being conducted on the floors immediately above, while careful consideration had to be given to coordinating the flow of construction materials and personnel through the same entrance as the one being used by the students.

"I was really impressed with the design and we were all really happy with the end result," said Steven Delgado, Dean of Facilities Management at Hostos Community College.