Exciting progress is underway with the construction of the expansion at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center’s Radiation Oncology department.
Situated within UPMC Horizon-Shenango Valley Hospital in Farrell, Pennsylvania, the department has experienced a consistent increase in demand, leading local patients to travel up to 70 miles to Pittsburgh for care.
Recognizing this burden, UPMC sought to provide comprehensive cancer diagnostics and treatment services in Mercer, Beaver and Lawrence counties, significantly reducing stress and logistical challenges and ensuring treatment continuity.
CPL was chosen to provide architectural and structural engineering services for the $9.6 million initiative, which includes the construction of a 1,700 sq. ft. vault designed to house a new linear accelerator (LINAC) radiotherapy system. The department’s CT, simulator and laser equipment will also be upgraded.
Using TrueBeam technology, the LINAC system specifically targets cancerous tumors throughout the body, offering real-time imaging for oncologists to deliver precision care during therapy sessions.
“This expansion will bring in the facility’s second LINAC,” explained CPL Architect Len van Heest, AIA, NCARB, who serves as Project Manager. “This improvement in equipment capacity will significantly broaden access to vital, life-saving care for more people in the region.”
Serving as Architect of Record, CPL will collaborate with Allen + Shariff (MEP Consultants), FMG, Inc. (Site Consultants), Varian (LINAC Vendor) and Rycon Construction, Inc. (General Contractor) to complete the project.
The UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Radiation Oncology expansion is expected to open by winter 2024.
About CPL
Founded in 1975, CPL is a 500+ person multi-disciplined architecture, engineering and planning firm offering inspiring design services and enriching communities in 24 cities across seven states. CPL specializes in the Community, Healthcare, Higher Education, and K-12 Education market sectors – providing architectural, interior design, civil engineering, buildings and structural engineering, planning, landscape architecture and 3D/virtual design services to a host of public and private clients.
