Skilled Nursing Facility Kitchen Renovation
Complete renovation of an occupied skilled nursing facility kitchen involving full under-slab plumbing replacement, structural floor reconstruction, and installation of new commercial finishes, all while maintaining uninterrupted food service for a 100-bed healthcare facility.
Location: Mars Hill, NC
Sector: Healthcare
Services: Preconstruction / General Contracting / Construction Management / Project Management / Facility Consulting
Environment: Occupied, Active Skilled Nursing Facility
Scope
Premier Design & Construction completed the full demolition and reconstruction of a commercial kitchen after the existing under-slab sanitary drain system had failed beyond repair. The project included complete removal of the kitchen, demolition of the concrete slab, replacement of all underground drain piping, removal of unsuitable soils, placement of engineered stone backfill, installation of a new concrete slab, commercial kitchen flooring system, new acoustical ceilings, lighting upgrades, interior finishes, and replacement kitchen equipment, and large walk in cooler and freezer.
Challenges & Constraints
Full renovation completed within a fully occupied 100-bed skilled nursing facility
Continuous meal service required throughout construction
Temporary commercial kitchen, refrigeration, and freezer operations established before demolition
Strict infection control, food safety, and healthcare regulatory requirements
Limited construction duration to minimize operational strain on temporary food service operations
Careful coordination of utility interruptions and reconnections to maintain facility operations
Approach & Jobsite Controls
Developed a comprehensive preconstruction plan allowing food service operations to continue throughout construction
Established a fully functional temporary kitchen, including mobile cooking, refrigeration, freezer storage, and food preparation areas
Coordinated daily activities with facility leadership and dietary staff to minimize operational disruption
Maintained strict infection control, cleanliness, and safety protocols throughout demolition and reconstruction
Sequenced underground utility replacement, concrete restoration, and finish work to compress the construction schedule while maintaining quality
Provided proactive communication with ownership and facility staff from project start through completion
Results & Outcomes
Successfully completed a full commercial kitchen reconstruction without interruption to resident meal service
Replaced failing underground plumbing infrastructure with a reliable long-term system
Delivered a modernized kitchen with new commercial flooring, ceilings, lighting, finishes, and upgraded equipment
Completed construction on schedule despite the complexity of maintaining temporary operations
Passed required inspections and returned the kitchen to full operation with minimal disruption to residents and staff
Delivered a durable, efficient kitchen designed to support the facility's operations for years to come
Premier’s Impact
This project demonstrates Premier Design & Construction’s ability to manage complex healthcare renovations where uninterrupted operations are essential. By combining detailed preconstruction planning, temporary food service coordination, strict jobsite controls, and proactive communication, our team delivered a critical kitchen reconstruction while allowing the facility to continue serving residents every day. The result was a safer, more reliable, and modernized kitchen built to support the facility’s long-term operational needs.