West Penn Hospital Melanoma Lab



MBM recently completed the rebuild of the 9,000 SF West Penn Hospital Melanoma Clinic, adding seven new Melanoma exam rooms and two procedure rooms as well as seven dermatology exam rooms. After the Clinic was completed, MBM spent months getting the new lab area in the west tower ready for the new Virus Production lab. This state-of-the-art lab allows West Penn Hospital and Allegheny Health Network to create viruses and test onsite rather than sending out for testing. A new Air Handling Unit was lifted and placed on the roof as well as a new high plume exhaust system to handle the new lab requirements for the building. Spanning five floors, the duct work and mechanical piping now runs from an adjacent building up to the roof and then back down to the lab to make it function as designed.. 

Major Healthcare Facility Ambulance Entrance



A major Pittsburgh hospital provided MBM with an opportunity to service an existing pre-cast façade that overhangs the ambulatory parking bays. The existing structure consisted of a concrete precast that needed to be removed and replaced with a new EIFS façade. MBM provided a pre-survey scope of work that consisted of setting up safety scaffolding and opening pockets of the system so that RM Creative could take measurements for a new EIFS design. Once the design was completed, MBM coordinated with hospital leadership on a plan to minimize the impact to the facility while getting the work done quickly. The project consisted of two phases, approximately two months in duration each from start to finish. New EIFS, windows, roof flashings, and paint were completed on time and on budget. Challenges included keeping two of the four ambulance bays open at all times, while maintaining a safe, multi-elevated working platform.  

Team MBM

Dennis Altavilla

Superintendent

MBM Contracting

After graduating from Baldwin High School, Dennis joined the Carpenter's Union at 17-years-old. Dennis started working at MBM 24 years ago and has led many sizable projects at MBM including the West Penn Hospital Melanoma Clinic & Lab, Western Psychiatric Hospital Patient Restrooms, and various projects at Shadyside Hospital, Four Allegheny Center, Canterbury Place, PNC Bank, and Allegheny General Hospital. Dennis and his wife Sarah have three children and are also new grandparents. Their daughter Olivia is a Registered Nurse, their youngest daughter Sophia is a Licensed Cosmetologist, and their son Dennis Jr. is in the Carpenter's Apprenticeship program and also works at MBM.

What aspect of your role do you like the most?

My favorite part of my role is the initial layout, which is the part I do by myself. I like to be the first one there and make the first marks on the ground. A clean piece of paper, so to speak, to start our work of art. 

What were the biggest challenges during the WPH Melanoma Lab project?

The biggest challenge on the Melanoma Lab was fitting everything needed into the tight space of a building that is over 100 years old and all masonry construction. 

What has been your favorite project at MBM?

My favorite project was the Western Psychiatric Hospital patient restrooms. It makes me appreciate what I have, who I have around me, and how precious life is. 

What advice would you give to recent MBM hires?

My advice would be to always pay attention to what is going on around you.

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