Expanding Cancer Care in Southern New Hampshire: Wise Completes Dartmouth Cancer Center’s Radiation Oncology Expansion in Manchester

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dC10by1pbWFnZSAudGItaW1hZ2UtY2FwdGlvbntkaXNwbGF5OnRhYmxlLWNhcHRpb247Y2FwdGlvbi1zaWRlOmJvdHRvbX0gfSA=

Cancer care is deeply personal and access to timely, comprehensive treatment can make a world of difference. Dartmouth Cancer Center, one of only 57 National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the country, has taken a significant step forward in expanding care for patients across southern New Hampshire. In partnership with Wise Construction, the Dartmouth Cancer Center at Dartmouth Health’s Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinics Manchester now offers radiation therapy—bringing all three primary cancer treatments (surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation) to patients locally.

This expansion includes a brand-new linear accelerator (LINAC) vault, a CT imaging suite, and multiple exam and support spaces, enabling more patients to receive high-quality treatment close to home. The project was delivered as a two-story expansion with the second floor awarded mid-construction.

Building Around the Clock (and the Patients)

Although technically an addition, the new 15,000 SF structure was tightly integrated with the existing facility. It backed directly onto active pediatric suites and a seven-day-a-week urgent appointments department, requiring extensive enabling work and continuous coordination with clinic staff. Wise reworked piping, infilled exterior windows that became future interior walls, and scheduled utility tie-ins during overnight hours to avoid impact to patient care.

“Our goal was to never interrupt care,” said Senior Project Manager Noreen McDonnell. “That meant early mornings, daily adjustments, and planning weeks in advance, but the team embraced it.”

The onsite Dartmouth Health team’s responsiveness made a significant difference. “They were incredibly collaborative,” added McDonnell. “As long as we communicated and minimized impact, they gave us the space to get the work done.”

Smart Building, Powered by Wise Engineering

The LINAC vault was the technical centerpiece of the project. NELCO Worldwide assembled the modular structure using 177 MegaShield blocks, which marked one of the major milestones as the team pushed toward the finish line.

Space was limited, and the window to install systems was narrow. Wise’s internal VDC and Engineering teams were instrumental in managing layout, coordination, and field execution. “VDC was most critical at the vault,” said Project Manager John Niro. “There was no margin for error as we had a very small opening to get a massive number of mechanicals into that space. They modeled every inch of the mechanical layout, from pipe routing to penetration sequencing.”

Wise’s Director of Engineering, Scott Guertin, was embedded in the field and worked side by side with the project team. His guidance ensured systems were laid out accurately and that decisions could be made on the spot to keep the schedule on track.

“Scott gave confident, informed direction,” said McDonnell. “That presence and expertise on site and in coordination meetings helped us avoid issues that would normally impact a construction schedule. We didn’t have heating or cooling problems, and we didn’t have install delays, because Scott and the team were there, monitoring and adjusting as needed.”

To take it a step further, Scott and his team were instrumental during preconstruction for the pre-purchasing of rooftop systems—including a 25,000 CFM air handling unit and multiple condensing units—well ahead of the scheduled crane picks.

Added Scope, Same Delivery Date

Halfway through the job, the scope doubled with the addition of a full second floor earmarked for other clinical services in the building. Despite the added square footage and infrastructure demands, the team didn’t adjust the original, 14-month schedule. They redesigned systems, added manpower, and worked closely with trade partners and the design team to keep everything on track.

“It was overwhelming at first,” said McDonnell. “New client, new scope, new trade partner pool in New Hampshire, and our first LINAC vault. But everyone was committed to making it work. That sense of collective ownership was a huge reason why this project was so successful.”

From weekly meetings to targeted coordination sessions with Dartmouth Health’s facilities and project teams, momentum never slowed. Wise hit every milestone—weather-tightness, equipment installs, certification of occupancy—without compromising on safety or quality.

“This job raised our own bar,” said Niro. “It pushed us to be sharper, more flexible, and more deliberate in our planning.”

Lasting Care, Lasting Trust

While the technical accomplishments were many, the Wise team emphasized one consistent theme: collaboration.

“From Dartmouth Health and the design team to our own field staff, everyone was aligned,” said McDonnell. “There was no ego—just people showing up to solve problems and keep the work moving.”

For patients, the impact is immediate. Radiation therapy often involves daily visits over weeks or months. With this addition, Dartmouth Cancer Center can now offer the full spectrum of oncology services in one place. Officially expanding their services to nine LINACs, which increases access to life-changing cancer treatment.

“Dartmouth Health trusted us to deliver on time for their patients,” said McDonnell. “Following through on that promise meant not only building a facility that will serve this community for years to come, but also earning lasting trust with our client and partner.”

A big thanks to our partners:
Dartmouth Health, Dartmouth Cancer Center Lavallee Brensinger Architects
Fuss & O’Neill
Souza, True and Partners
Fitzemeyer & Tocci Associates, Inc.
Haley & Aldrich

Wise Project Team:
Noreen McDonnell
John Niro
Louie DiFabio
Kelvin Erazo
Suhani Jain
Scott Guertin (Engineering Team)
Matt Emond (VDC Team)