Anderson Engineering served as the prime firm for the VA North Dallas Health Care System Clinical Expansion for Mental Health Project Book. This project book involved the construction of a 169,881 GSF clinical expansion aimed at consolidating various outpatient mental health programs, acute inpatient beds, and residential rehabilitation beds. The project also encompassed the demolition of approximately 38,011 GSF of existing buildings, land acquisition (about 15 acres), and the construction of a multi-level parking garage. The initiative sought to enhance accessibility and efficiency by integrating mental health services into a centralized, purpose-built facility while ensuring the necessary infrastructure upgrades for long-term functionality. The Project Book contains all the pre-design evaluations and studies that are required prior to design.
A key component was the design and integration of a multi-level parking structure to accommodate increased patient and staff needs. The team conducted site feasibility studies, structural evaluations, and geotechnical analysis to support the garage foundation design. The Project Book outlined the following aspects related to parking and site transportation:
Parking Demand Study: Conducted in accordance with the VA Parking Design Guide, this study evaluated the current and projected parking requirements, including:
Standard parking spaces
Accessible and van-accessible spaces
Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations
Temporary parking accommodations during construction
Traffic & Site Access Analysis
Identification of public transportation access and pedestrian pathways.
Assessment of entry/exit lanes, queuing lanes, and projected peak vehicle use.
Study of vehicular circulation to minimize conflicts between patients, staff, delivery vehicles, and emergency responders.
Security & Lighting Enhancements
Evaluation of existing lighting conditions and improvements to enhance nighttime visibility and security.
Review of security call boxes placement in parking areas to improve safety
Phased Parking Solutions
Due to site constraints and ongoing operations at the medical center, the project was phased carefully to avoid major disruptions. Temporary parking solutions were planned to accommodate facility users throughout the construction process
Infrastructure & Site Upgrades: To support the new clinical expansion and parking structure, the project included:
Upgrading the Energy Center to ensure sufficient capacity for heating and cooling.
Road and site work, including improvements to existing drive lanes and pedestrian walkways
Stormwater management considerations to comply with environmental regulations.
Anderson Services Performed
Project Management, Architecture, Planning, Civil Engineering, Land Survey, Environmental Science
