Riverside Health Center

Community Health Centers of Burlington, CHCB

For over 40 years the Community Health Centers of Burlington (CHCB) has increased access to quality health care for Vermonters, regardless of their ability to pay. A winning proposal for Federal funding allowed CHCB to replace their aged facility, but non-negotiable federal deadlines—and a very tight budget—required innovative design solutions and quick action on the part of the design and construction team.

The new Riverside Health Center was built in two phases to minimize disruptions in patient service. Site restrictions required two levels of underground parking to be built into the hillside on the compact urban plot. The entire project from concept to occupancy took just 22 months.

The project includes 76 parking spaces on two lower levels with a two-level clinic above. The clinic includes 26 medical exam rooms, 12 dental operatories, nine behavioral health counseling rooms, a laboratory and administrative offices.

Costing just $175 per square foot, CHCB proves that a high performance building doesn’t have to have a high price tag. Materials and finishes were chosen for longevity and low maintenance costs. An exceptionally tight building envelope and other energy-saving measures earned the project LEED Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.