Allegheny Valley Hospital Imaging Department

The AVH Imaging Department underwent a full makeover to upgrade the floor plan and expand services throughout the Department. MBM was selected as the Construction Manager in 2020 and began a design partnership with DRS Architects, WNA Engineering, and AVH leadership. The design period was extended over the course of 18 months as new requests were considered and the overall footprint of the available space evolved. Newly renovated space included a five-bed patient holding suite, two Mammography, one Dexa, three Ultrasound rooms, one Radiography, one Radiography Ortho, and two Radiography Fluro rooms all equipped with separate changing rooms, two reading rooms, a waiting room, multiple nurses’ stations, a private patient and staff corridor, a staff break room, a transcription room, and several patient and staff restrooms. All new finishes were added in the new and existing corridors to help unify the space with adjoining areas of the hospital. MBM completed this project in September 2024 on time and under budget.  

Wexford Hospital OR and Cath Lab

This project was carefully budgeted during several pre-construction job meetings through a partnership with AHN, iKM, and MBM. Construction began in March 2024 and completed on-time and under budget in June 2024. Coordination was key to the completion of this project as several major HVAC shutdowns were needed to complete not only the OR work, but also the Cath Lab Cross Tie project. This coordination led to several off-hour shifts, extended weekend shifts, and very careful attention to ICRA. A new duct sealing material was introduced and applied during an extended weekend to ensure the air systems exceeded the design intent of the project. There were also four new sets of corridor doors that were added to assist with the Life Safety Plans. The new OR is equipped with a laminar flow ceiling, all new electrical rough-ins, fire protection coverage, lighting controls, medical gases, and Steris equipment. 

Happenings

Clarion Health & Wellness Center, AIA Design Pittsburgh Awards

The Clarion Health & Wellness Center is in the running for the AIA Design Pittsburgh People's Choice Award. This multi-phased project started with the complete interior demolition of a three-story 23,000 SF existing building that was primarily lab and office space. The existing space was then rebuilt into medical office space which included an imaging suite on the first floor, with doctor and office space on the second and third floors. The lobby areas are especially breathtaking with curved bulkheads, wood ceilings, murals and architectural lighting. The project also included a 2,000 SF addition of a gym, conference room, and kitchen. Other new additions included parking, site lighting, a new canopy, and landscaping to completely transform the site. Voting closes on November 3rd, so please vote now.

MBM Hosts a Soup-er Bowl

The MBM team loves soup and a competition so we put the two together for a Soup-er celebration. Six homemade soups were entered into the competition including Wedding, French Onion, Potato, Italian Sausage, Nilagang, and Stuffed Pepper Soup. A lot of soup was eaten, many votes were cast, and congratulations are due to Adrian Predmore for her winning French Onion Soup!

Team MBM

Joe Mineweaser

Superintendent

MBM Contracting

Joe studied Civil Engineering and Business at the University of Pittsburgh before deciding that he wanted to join the Carpenters' Union. Through the Apprenticeship program, he was able to obtain more college credits. After he became a Journeyman, he combined all of his earned credits, went back to night school and obtained an Associate's Degree in Estimating. Joe has been a member of the Carpenters' Union for 36 years. He started with MBM in 1989 as an Apprentice and worked his way up to Superintendent. Joe and his wife Jo-Anne have been married for 33 years. They have three daughters, one son, and two beautiful grandchildren. His goal is to retire in six years at age 62 and spend time with his family, especially the grandchildren. He would also like to finish projects around the house, just like every other carpenter.

What aspect of being a Carpenter and Superintendent do you like the most?

I like to problem solve and work with my hands. As Superintendent, I also like to help coordinate between the architects/engineers, the client, subcontractors, and MBM to take a set of blueprints and turn them into reality.

What has been your favorite project at MBM?

It's hard to pick just one. Generally, my favorite projects are the ones that are the first of their kind in the Pittsburgh area. I was the Foreman on the first Panera Bread in the area and more recently, I worked on the MIBG suite and iMRI room, both firsts at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. 

What was the biggest challenge on the AVH Imaging project?

The biggest challenge was the tight phasing schedule. We had to create new modalities and rooms for imaging (Mammograms, DEXA scans, etc.) because another facility was closing and we had to be ready to accept existing/ new patients. We also upgraded the other Department's imaging rooms while working around their schedules to prevent disruption of patient care. 

Why do you think the AVH Imaging renovation was successfully completed on time and under budget?

My whole team was awesome! From the hospital personnel, architects, engineers and all 13 subcontractors, we all worked together cohesively to create a great project. Credit should also be given to my MBM Project Manager Bob Hoffmann for being a great sounding board to go over problems and ideas.

What advice would you give to new hires at MBM?

When I was an Apprentice, my mentor taught me that in construction, the only thing you can take with you from job to job is your reputation. So what makes up your reputation: Do you show up for work on time? Do you take pride in your work? Do you have a good attitude? Do you work without complaining? Do you step up when needed? Another piece of advice I would give is to take advantage of the opportunities given to you.

Tell us three things most people don’t know about you…

I was MBM's first Apprentice. I just had a full knee replacement surgery. I moved to Allentown for four years.

Danny Brown, Annual ALS CEO Soak

Danny got soaked at the Annual ALS CEO Soak at the PPG Place Fountain. Danny volunteered in memory of and in support of Mike Lako who was an excellent, well-liked MBM carpenter who unfortunately had this terrible disease and passed away in December 2021 at the young age of 36. The event raised over $290,000 which will go towards providing local families living with ALS no-cost services like durable medical equipment, multidisciplinary clinics, transportation to medical appointments, home visits with specialists, and much more. Proceeds will also fund local, state-wide, and national advocacy as well as innovative research for a cure. Thank you for to everyone that supported Danny. We are truly grateful.