At Wise, we are committed to improving environments where care and community thrive. Our recent projects at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute exemplify this dedication, as we’ve undertaken several significant renovations to enhance patient and staff experiences. Here’s a glimpse into our work that took over 30+ weeks:
Our journey began with the renovation of the 1,500 SF ground floor Blum Resource Center, a vital patient resource hub. This space serves as a comforting environment where patients and family members can learn about disease treatment and management, access computers and printers, and find support from volunteers and staff. Before we could transform the Blum Resource Center, we relocated the existing gift shop, renovating its new home on the third floor. This careful phasing ensured a seamless transition and uninterrupted access to essential services for the Institute. The renovation included extensive beach wood millwork, new flooring, a reconfigured layout, new exterior storefront, and more, creating a welcoming and functional space.
Next, we renovated two rooms on the third floor of the Dana-Farber Smith Building. Our work began with a minor renovation of the Fellows Conference Room, providing new carpeting, paint, ceiling, wall protection, and AV equipment. This preliminary phase allowed us to use the space as a staging area while materials for the HomeGoods Young Adult Lounge arrived. The Young Adult Lounge is the first of its kind on the Dana-Farber campus, designed specifically for young adults to connect and support one another. This space addresses the unique challenges young adults face during their cancer journey, offering a place to build friendships and find solace.
Our final projects focused on enhancing spaces for both relaxation and health. The Post-Doc Lounge, designed for postdoctoral fellows and graduate students, underwent a renovation that included new millwork, flooring, ceiling, paint, and more. This lounge offers resources such as computers, a printer, a TV, a lending library, and information on career development, providing a vital space for socialization and relaxation.
The Exercise Lab, a facility where patients’ physical strengths and exercise routines are monitored, was completely renovated. This included raising the MEPs for a higher ceiling, new flooring, layout, light fixtures, gym equipment, and wall graphics. This lab supports both patient health and research, examining how post-diagnosis exercise can impact cancer outcomes.
These projects at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute highlight Wise’s innovative approach to managing and executing complex, interconnected renovations. Each phase was carefully planned to ensure that one project’s completion seamlessly transitioned into the next, maintaining an efficient workflow. By coordinating these efforts alongside Dana-Farber and the design team, Wise Construction ensured that all upgrades were delivered on time and to the highest quality standards.
Project Partners
Owner: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Architect: MDS/Miller Dyer Spears (Gift Shop/YC1 Blum Center)
Architect: Isgenuity, LLC. (AYA Lounge/Post-Doc Lounge/Exercise Lab)
Engineer: AKF Engineering
Wise Project Team
Project Executive/SVP: Eric Libby
Project Manager: Nick Fanjoy
Assistant Project Manager: Nick Gore
Superintendent: Brendan Cary
Field Personnel: Jeremy Holbrook
Photography: Richard Gayle Photography
