The program involved the renovation, restoration and rehabilitation of an existing 41,000 s.f. substance abuse and maintenance rehab center with a new 6,000 s.f. Central Infill Space addition. The old sections of the building complex were built at various times, back to the 19th century.

An initial planning study by FA involved an integrated orchestration of tasks to obtain and analyze information. The facility was examined through inspections, documentation, along with an inventory of existing spaces and functions. Space/function questionnaires and workshops with the Space Committee were utilized to obtain data for review and synthesis. An assessment and evaluation of the facility resulted in informative conclusions. In turn, these tasks formed the basis for an optimized program.

The overall concept re-organizes the complex into the East Wing, the West Wing, and the new Central Infill Space. The general theme provides separations and required distances between administrative and treatment functions. This spatial re-organization optimizes physical proximities for departments, divisions and programs to form coherent entities. In terms of circulation, patterns of movement are re-defined for clarity and logical orientation, integrating Rushford Center’s programs, while incorporating issues for staff/client/visitor flow management. The main entry at the new Central Infill Space has a rotated porch, giving a clear sense of access and orientation, by its inherent focal point image. In essence, the new central form with intersecting gables unifies the complex.