Poskanzer Skott Architects Designs New Facility for BVMI in Hackensack, N.J.

Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative (BVMI) will be relocating this fall, and the healthcare center is working with Poskanzer Skott Architects of Ridgewood, N.J., to design its new facility at 75 Essex Street in Hackensack.

“Despite healthcare reform, there are still an estimated 47,000 uninsured individuals in Bergen County,” said Amanda Missey, BVMI’s president and CEO. “Many of our patients are working two or three jobs to pay rent and put food on table, and healthcare is low on their list of priorities. BVMI is the only organization providing free primary healthcare to these low-income working adults.”

BVMI serves approximately 1,000 patients a year, led by a small clinical staff that supports an all-volunteer team of doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers and dieticians. The organization also partners with the five area hospitals and over 200 specialists.

According to Missey, the center was forced to relocate when its current Moore Street location was designated for redevelopment. The search for new space proved to be challenging. “In addition to meeting state licensure requirements, it had to be affordable, accessible by public transportation and have ample parking to accommodate our volunteers.”

Poskanzer Skott was selected for the project because of the firm’s extensive experience in the northern New Jersey healthcare community. “Our expertise in the design of – and approvals necessary for – licensed medical facilities was helpful in ensuring that BVMI met its goals,” said Barry Poskanzer, AIA.

Poskanzer Skott worked closely with Missey to address the organization’s statutory requirements and satisfy the concerns of its various stakeholders. “The success of the project depended on being sympathetic to the needs of the doctors, nurses, volunteers and administrative staff, and having a clear understanding of the intricacies of how they serve their most important stakeholder: their patients.”

Poskanzer Skott’s design for BVMI’s new home – which is currently under construction – is 50 percent larger than their current space and reflects the culture of the practice and enhances their approach to patient care. It includes a spacious outpatient clinic and distinctive administrative area, as well as bright, contemporary finishes.

“Barry and his staff have taken all of our input and miraculously created what will be a very functional, warm and inviting place for our patients and our team,” said Missey.

Poskanzer Skott has decades of experience working in New Jersey’s healthcare sector, having designed projects for Hackensack University Medical Center, Valley Health System, Bergen Regional Medical Center and Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, as well as many private medical practices. The established, award-winning firm has broad experience in the entire design and planning process from concept to completion. Poskanzer Skott’s work on behalf of public, private and non-profit clients also spans the multifamily, office, industrial, retail and education sectors.

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