Health Care Authority Selected Birchfield Penuel and Associates, LLC as Architect

Joel Paris

Oct. 30, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- The St. Clair County Health Care Authority has selected Birchfield Penuel and Associates, LLC as architect for the new St. Vincent's St. Clair Hospital in Pell City.

According to the Birmingham based company's website, "Birchfield Penuel and Associates' endeavors to develop long-term relationships with select healthcare, institutional and wellness clients of this region, providing experienced senior leadership and responsive project implementation consistent with the Client's vision. The firm is composed of a staff of 19 design professionals and support staff. The entire BPA staff has extensive experience in the planning, design, and implementation of these project types since over 85 percent of our project volume is related to this specialty. A comprehensive integration of our Client's vision, program, budget and schedule towards an innovative design solution defines our success."

BPA has been a part of various projects in the state including, the West Wing addition at Coosa Valley Medical Center in Sylacauga, the Valor Center at the VA Medical Center in Tuscaloosa and the Heart Center at St. Vincent's East Hospital in Birmingham.

The Health Care Authority received three proposals but BPA's rose to the top. "It's just a good solid firm," Health Care Authority Director Lawrence Fields said.

--The Health Care Authority now has a place to meet after striking a $15,000 contract with the St. Clair Economic Development Council. After meeting all over the place in previous months, the Authority will meet in the EDC headquarters. "It's a good idea and it's close to the hospital," Fields said.

--Fields said the board has discussed hiring a program manager to be the "eyes and ears" on the site. The program manager could resolve any day-to-day issues that come up. "[The Health Care Authority] is not going to be there meddling on site," Fields said. This particular item has been tabled pending further discussion.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0360-39478955