RSH Architects was commissioned by Allegheny County Public Works to conduct a physical facility assessment of the four John J. Kane Regional Centers, the County’s skilled care nursing facilities. Each of the regional centers was constructed in the early 1980s, and the objective of the assessment was to identify and prioritize improvements and corrective actions that would make them competitive with private skilled care facilities.

The exteriors of the centers varied in material specifications. Glen Hazel incorporated brick, Scott used synthetic insulating plaster, McKeesport and Ross consisted primarily of exposed concrete masonry. Window and curtainwall components also varied from aluminum to wood clad units. Each building exhibited roof deterioration typical for the age of the systems. Other exterior elements, such as doors, frames, louvers and vents evidenced wear. Each site presented individual elements, however all required major remedial work to address paving deterioration, overgrown landscaping and to provide accessible routes in compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements enacted subsequent to their original construction. 

Interiors exhibited good overall maintenance, however, the environments were dated, very institutional in character and not consistent with current continuing care philosophy or settings. All major building systems such as elevators, HVAC, lighting and life-safety/protection required extensive upgrades to comply with building and accessibility codes. Furnishings and finishes merited replacement.

RSH Architects surveyed each center, documented existing conditions, provided a report of deficiencies and recommendations for corrective actions and enhancements. The recommendations included a budget assessment for specific actions accompanied by an implementation plan for immediate, one-year, and five-year phased improvements.