Building On Our Legacy

What A Difference A Day Makes

2011-12-22T15:00:00.004-06:00

OK. So maybe it is more than just a day. It's more like a few days.

When we last checked in at Legacy-Lyons Clinic the painting was just about finished. A few more things have been done and we just had to show you!

The Front Desk now has the Legacy logo.

The Nurses Station has some furniture is getting organized.

And the Exam Rooms are beginning to take shape!

Our Lyons Clinic Had a Little Work Done

2011-12-15T15:26:00.009-06:00

Normally it's bad form to ask someone about their cosmetic procedures. We at Legacy believe in being transparent, so here it goes: our Lyons Clinic recently had a facelift, and we couldn't be happier with the results. One look at the follwing pictures, and we're sure you'll agree.

Every part of the clinic got a new paint job, starting with our reception area. I believe this color is called "Fabulous Grape." No, I'm not kidding.

The above waiting room is a little warmer and more inviting.

Our exam rooms feature at least one soothing lavender wall. A quick straw poll reveals that some employees insist that this shade is more periwinkle than lavender. New equipment for these rooms is on its way!

The nurses' station looks fresh, clean, and comfortable. Make a mental note of this image, because the next time we see these counters they'll probably be full of charts and other paperwork. Our nurses are busy people!

Finally, bask in the smooth light green in our ancillary services area. The above room will be used for eye exams and consultations.

Special thanks go out to our "surgeons" from ExxonMobil. A group of volunteers came out not one, but two days to help paint and beautify our clinic, and their help is greatly appreciated.

Keep up with this space to learn more about our Lyons Avenue expansion, including our upcoming Grand Opening!

Moving Day Part One

2011-12-13T14:49:00.007-06:00

The first half of our Southwest Clinic's renovation is just about complete, so this past weekend Legacy employees took part in one of the most dreaded rituals of the modern era: Moving Day. Check out the fruits of their labor in the pictures below.

The new check-in area is looking fine with new furniture and equipment. Previous photos of this area featured a temporary wall at the far end of the counter, but you can see that it's been removed. You know things are getting serious when walls start coming down.

Above is an example of our new exam rooms. All that's needed now is a little tidying up and that loud, crinkly butcher paper to be stretched over the exam table!

The lab has been stocked with materials, chairs, a fridge, and staff. Joseph Mayers already has his gloves on, and Marina Franco is there for moral support in case you're afraid of needles. The Blues Clues stickers highlight the most important part of this picture: the Material Safety Data Sheets. Don't sleep on the MSDS, people.

Another exam room is just about ready, one with a little more storage space and a cute baby on the wall.

We've seen this area (and its stylish accent walls) in previous posts, but it's now identifiable as our new checkout area. Not pictured: the express lane reserved for people with 12 items or less.

New signage is going up throughout the building, so you don't need me to tell you what we're looking at here.

Keep checking back for updates on our Lyons Avenue location's new facelift, and for more from our Southwest clinic. Phase II of the construction is underway, and you'll never believe where we're keeping the Material Safety Data Sheets for the other side of the building!

Construction Photos for the Naughty and Nice Alike

2011-12-08T14:22:00.006-06:00

Phase 1 of our Southwest Clinic's construction project is marching relentless toward completion. New walls have been constructed and painted, new fixtures have been installed in restrooms, and new tile has been laid throughout clinc. We can't wait to share the enhanced new space with our loyal patients!

The above exam room is nearly complete. New furniture should be delivered in the next seven to ten days!

The new cabinets, countertops, and floor tile tie this room together.

You've seen the room pictured above before, but never with its baseboards completed or with cleaning products placed neatly on the counter. I'm really posting this one again so everyone knows where to find the Material Safety Data Sheets.

These classy looking new front doors have been installed and, according to at least one report, are working properly. I assume that means they're opening and closing like a normal door should, as well as doing their part to maintain a consistent indoor temperature. Look closely and you'll spy our intrepid photographer, resplendent in his University of Wyoming jacket. Go Cowboys!

Lastly we have our new front desk, almost ready to greet our patients with its cheery purple paint job. Based on the cans resting on the new surface, I'm guessing its installation was fueled by Cocal-Cola. You can see a hint of the new carpet that will be put down in all non-exam rooms. This carpet will reduce noise and, as a result, increase patient privacy.

Keep checking back for new pictures and updates from our extreme makeover: Southwest edition!

Thankful for Our Legacy Redux

2011-11-29T10:37:00.009-06:00

Most of us are probably still eating Thanksgiving leftovers, so we're calling an audible and giving thanks again this week. Today we're thankful for the amazing way everyone has handled the ongoing construction at our Southwest Clinic. Our employees have come together to make sure that our patients have the best experience possible, and that everyone continues to receive the best care we know how to give.

We remain incredibly thankful for our patients and their upbeat, can-do attitudes. Our patient numbers have remained steady, a true testament to your belief in Legacy and confidence in our services. Legacy couldn't be successful without such a diverse, welcoming, and supportive group of patients, and for that we are sincerely thankful.

So let us show our appreciation for your continued patronage with new pictures of the Southwest Construction project.

We start with a room we've all come to know and perhaps even love. It's now been painted a bright, cheerful blue, so the horror movie comparisons are clearly a thing of the past.

The rooms in the previous two pictures were featured in our October 23 post (in the second to last picture). The new paint really livens them up, and you can see what I believe fancy designers call an accent wall in the middle.

A picture of the room above can be found in our post from October 28. That purple wall didn't exist back then.

Thanks for keeping up with our progress, and for checking out the new pictures. We're thankful for all of our readers, and can't wait to show you the finished product!

Thankful for Our Legacy

2011-11-23T13:36:00.006-06:00

Legacy Community Health Services wants to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving this year! It's been a big year for us and we want to thank all the hard-working health professionals, volunteers, and Legacy employees that have helped us continue Building on our Legacy.

Here's some of the latest pictures of the Southwest Clinic in the process of being made-over:

We're so thankful for our new flooring!

Legacy Southwest Mid-Month Construction Update

2011-11-15T14:45:00.005-06:00

The renovation of the Legacy - Southwest Clinic is moving forward, and we have a few new pictures to keep you updated on the modernization of our southwest Houston facility. None of our services have been interrupted because of the project - so, a big thanks to everyone's hard work and commitment to carrying out Legacy's mission during these renovations.

The room above may look familiar from earlier posts. It now looks much less like a horror movie set and much more like a new-and-improved clinic. Most of the walls are complete with nothing left but the new paint. Below - final work is being done to the floor to make way for the new tile. Most of the new title has already been installed.

Below, a room dries in preparation for new floor tiles.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Legacy - Southwest Clinic makeover!

Caroline Hinze completes her Girl Scout Gold Award

2011-11-08T16:45:00.007-06:00

Left to right: All Bellaire students: Devin Barrera, 16, senior; Allie Baumgarten, 17, junior; Caroline Hinze, 16, junior; Alex Fowler, 15, sophomore; Natalie Dorman, 16, junior; Anna Hiram, 17, junior; Lessica Lartigue, 15, sophmore.

Caroline Hinze, a 16-year-old cheerleader from Bellaire High School, decided to make a doctor’s visit a more positive and fun experience, so she renovated the children’s playground area at the Legacy Southwest Clinic located at 6441 High Star.

Hinze assembled a group of family and friends and together they moved mulch, sanded and primed to get the playground facility ready for the final improvements that were completed on Oct. 22.

She needed 60 volunteer hours to complete her Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor for a girl scout.

Caroline Hinze said, “I’ve been a girl scout since I was 5 years old in kindergarten. Only 5 percent of all girl scouts ever complete the Gold Award. In addition to Girl Scouts, my schedule at Bellaire High School is filled with cheerleading and Bellaire Belles. What I’ve learned is time management.”

ExxonMobil Spends Day Caring for Our Legacy

2011-11-07T11:16:00.019-06:00

More than 5,000 volunteers have already completed more than 650 projects as part of the 2011-12 United Way Days of Caring. One of those projects took place on Thursday, November 3 at Legacy- Lyons when 35 volunteers from ExxonMobil came out to help beautify our new space. They left amazed at the difference a few plants, a lot of paint, and 60 pounds of mulch can make when paired with hard work and the determination to do something grand.

An outside bench before

An outside bench after

Volunteers spread mulch and save a tree.

Lynne Tyer gives a lunchtime presentation on Legacy. Katie Daggett also spoke.

Getting ready to paint a hallway

A freshly painted administration area.

The volunteers went through a lot of paint, y'all.

The ExxonMobil team

Deborah DeBram, our contact at ExxonMobil, called the day after her group's project to let us know that they wanted to come back and finish the job.

"We've never done this before," she said, "but we were so incredibly impressed with the services Legacy provides for the underprivileged that my group asked me if they could take a second day to finish the project. It speaks to the presentations by Katie and Lynne, and to the standards ExxonMobil sets for completing our projects, that every single employee wants to help in any way they can."

Thanks to everyone at Legacy involved with hosting this great group, and to the ExxonMobil employees for helping to make our Lyons location a warm, inviting place!

Southwest Construction Photos for the Halloween Weekend

2011-10-28T14:43:00.006-05:00

Our renovation of the Legacy – Southwest Clinic is going to transform the way we take care of our patients. It’s going to greatly improve the structure so that we can give our patients the best experience possible. It’s going to modernize the facility so that our doctors, nurses and staff have a comfortable, clean and energizing place to carry out Legacy’s mission.

But for now the building is a big ol’ mess, one that our patients and staff are soldiering through. None of our services have been interrupted because of this project, and that’s a testament to everyone’s patience, perseverance, and dedication. Join me for a quick photographic tour of the site, won’t you?

Remember the store where our maternity patients and clients could come do a little shopping after earning credits in our prenatal classes? This is what it looks like now. Not a lot of commerce happening, as you can see.

This will soon be a bathroom. That square cut out of the left hand wall will soon be a window patients will use to pass the lab their, uh, samples. We give you all the dirty details here at Building on Our Legacy.

While the playground featured in our last post looked great, the surrounding environment still needs some work. Anyone wanting to use the entrance near that playground will be greeted by the above scene. On the one hand, that volume of insulation will cut down on electricity bills. The cartoon Pink Panther just begs children to touch the stuff, and we all know that leads to itching and despair.

I described a room in the previous post as having a horror movie vibe, but the above photo takes that to a whole new level. More exposed studs. A ripped up wall on the left that looks almost gnawed upon. One light fixture for the whole room. A ladder placed in the most inconvenient place possible for those trying to escape. An empty Taco Cabana cup on the ledge. All terrifying.

That light could go out at any moment, and we all know what happens next. You light a match so you can see, but it barely cuts through the gloom. Then your friend hears a suspicious noise and foolishly goes to investigate despite your warnings. You hear a struggle and a shout and then dead silence so you go investigate, only to be chased back into the room. Of course you trip over the ladder, because that’s how these scenes work. You start to crawl away. You make it a few feet…and scream as a hand closes around your ankle, its steely grip holding you in place.

It appears I’ll have to stop watching The Walking Dead right before bed time.

Stay tuned into this site for more about our reboot of the Southwest Clinic, and less scary stories to tell in the dark.

Southwest Construction Keeps on Keeping on

2011-10-25T11:46:00.012-05:00

When we last left the construction project at our Southwest Clinic, workers were tearing up the Pediatric waiting area, rewiring parts of the ceiling and adding walls where there were once none. Scroll down or click here if you don’t believe me.

A good amount of progress has been made since then, so join me as we take a quick photographic tour of the site, won’t you?

The existing playground has been completely refreshed: the structure has gotten a tune-up and a fresh coat of paint. We’ve installed a new ground covering as well; tire mulch, a rubber granule made from recycled tires, is now in place and eagerly awaiting the stomps of little feet. Tire mulch is non-abrasive, non-toxic, non-staining, and significantly reduces the risk of serious injury from playground falls. We hope we’ve eliminated the ironic “I got hurt at the doctor’s office” pediatric visit.

As you can see in the above photo, we’re re-starting from the ground up in some of our rooms. While the missing ceiling tiles, hanging wires, and exposed studs currently give this room a horror movie vibe, it will soon be a warm, inviting, comfortable exam room designed to enhance the patient experience. We’ll be adding six new exams rooms and one new ultrasound lab, all to improve our ability to serve the needs of the community.

Ever wonder how electricians and workers manage to cart around and safely install all the wire needed to redo a building’s infrastructure? Wonder no more! Apparently they hang it from a ladder so the spare cable is literally at their feet. This will prove incredibly handy since we’re upgrading the clinic’s wiring and adding a completely new, high tech phone system. Better communication means a better patient experience, so these new phones are a big investment in customer service.

We’re eager to keep showing off our progress at Legacy – Southwest Clinic, and hope you’ll continue visiting this site in the weeks to come. This project will improve every aspect of the patient experience, and is integral to our commitment to “building healthy communities.”

Building on Legacy - Southwest Clinic Begins!

2011-10-20T11:56:00.005-05:00

Now that the new Legacy - Montrose Clinic is up and running, you’d think it’s time to sit back and enjoy a few moments of peace and quiet, right?

At Legacy we don’t take breaks when it comes to building healthy communities. On Monday, September 26, we moved on to the next big thing!

On that day, we began a new construction project at Legacy - Southwest Clinic, one that will update and expand the facility located at 6441 High Star Drive to better serve our patients. The project’s two phases will take 12-14 weeks total.

All clinical services are now being operated out of what used to be the pediatric side of the building. Social Services, Eligibility, and Education have been moved into one trailer, while the provider’s office, appointment desk, and employee lunch room are in another. Phase II will see this set up flip flop, and clinical services will move to what was once the obstetrics side of the facility.

Legacy staff is working to make sure no services are interrupted, and the plan to accomplish this includes setting aside an area just for walk-ins. Even with the smaller space, Dr. Lia Rodriguez reports that the Legacy - Southwest Clinic saw 33 pediatric walk-in patients on the first Monday morning after construction started.

Special Thanks to Skyline Art Services!

2011-09-29T11:45:00.003-05:00

Skyline Art Services puts the ART in Heart! They have been extremely generous to Legacy Community Health Services during this exciting time of growth with Legacy's newest 40,000 square foot facility in Montrose. The art throughout the building was donated by dozens of local and national artists.

To read more about Skyline Art Services and their partnership with Legacy Community Health Services visit the Skyline Art Services blog.

We're In The News!

2011-09-18T11:15:00.001-05:00

We are in the building and getting settled. We opened our doors for business at 10:00a.m. on Monday, September 12. Clients and staff are still getting accustomed to the new surroundings.

We hope you will be able to join us for the Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Sunday, October 16 from 2:00p.m. - 5:00p.m.

In case you missed some of the publicity we have recently received here are some links for you to read and view the stories:

Thank you everyone for helping us spread the word about the services we offer!

Getting Ready To Move

2011-09-06T11:01:00.000-05:00

This is the week that employees at Legacy's 215 Westheimer, 1116 Jackson and 3311 Richmond locations begin packing. The move into Legacy-Montrose Clinic (1415 California) begins later this week.

Employees have been given a Move Kit with instructions on packing and labeling.

Crates have been delivered...

and are being distributed.

The heART of Legacy

2011-09-02T13:23:00.000-05:00

The art has been delivered and installed at Legacy's new clinic in Montrose.

Finalizing the art was a collaborative and selective process led by Skyline Art Services.

Most of the art selected for the clinic are commissioned pieces from local artists throughout the community truly making this building a community health facility.

Every piece of art adds warmth and serenity to each exam room.

The colors of the art peacefully blend with accents throughout the room.

Every piece was thoughtfully placed and carefully hung.

The art was not limited to the walls.

John Lubbock once said "As the sun colors flowers, so does art color life."

Legacy is full of new life and is almost ready to open its doors to the community.

The first of many...

2011-08-29T16:14:00.000-05:00

The board of Legacy Community Health Services celebrated their first meeting in Legacy's new clinic in Montrose.

23 Days until big move in

2011-08-18T16:01:00.000-05:00

Have a seat as we take one of our last tour-in-pictures of Legacy's new building. The official move-in date has been set for September 9, 2011.

Four of the nine-member Legacy Community Health Services information technology team had met in preparation for the move-in date. Pictured left to right; Thomas Taylor, vice-president of IT, Jerry Callaway, senior director of IT, Chris Brooks, IT's newest member, and Theron Bretz.

A conference table that overlooks the Commonwealth/Westheimer end of the building, which is the room where we met...
...Legacy Community Health Services' first-providers in a meeting of their own. Pictured left to right; Vice President of Operations Jack Parker, Chief Medical Officer Richard Beech, M.D. , Medical Director of Pediatrics Lia Rodriguez, M.D. and Medical Director of Adult Medicine Mark Levine, M.D.

Below: A thick glass door complete with a long, sleek handle.

Another sunny meeting room equipped with furniture. The glass walls are wonderful for letting some of the natural light pour in.
A view of Montrose from the third floor reception area with the Texas Medical Center in the distance.
A video-screening area with chairs set out and a rack ready for a TV to be installed.
The completed wall around the ground-floor parking garage.
One of the many light-sensors that remember to turn-off the lights when you might forget. It was nice to walk into the room and not have to search for the switch!
Another view of a second-floor employee lounge area. Two microwaves ease the lunch break microwave-rush-hour.
Lighting fixtures by the second floor reception area. They compliment well the wallpaper shown below.
Wallpaper on the second floor - look closely, you'll see it's a pattern of nothing but capital letters!

When a rendering becomes reality

2011-08-12T15:48:00.000-05:00

The vision.

The dream comes true.

These Legacy doors will be opening soon offering premium, compassionate, primary health services to the community.

Legacy's new clinic is almost ready for the big move in.

Dental work with a view.

Cool kitchen!

Plenty of parking.

Be sure to visit www.LegacyCommunityHealth.org to learn more about the all Legacy locations and the services each provides.

Paver Purchase Party - Aug. 11, 2011

2011-08-05T14:59:00.000-05:00

Stop by F Bar on Thursday and meet the Co-Chairs of Pathway To Our Legacy, George Burch & Ben Montalbano. You can purchase the pavers that evening or to purchase online, click here.

July 28, 2011

2011-07-28T14:56:00.000-05:00

The parking lots are complete!

With a lot East of Waugh Drive, one North of California Street, and another underneath the building, parking will be an easier task.

A spot to park your bike right next to the entrance.

The X-ray machine is now in place.

Beneath the paint of the walls is a solid layer of lead.

Electric outlets in the floor make an open-floor office plan organized rather than a tangled mess of wires.

Not like watching paint dry, while it dries

2011-07-27T16:18:00.000-05:00

As paint dries throughout Legacy's new building in Montrose, the transformation from building to healthcare facility continues.

The wallpaper is up. Legacy fills the spaces between the commas and periods with premium and compassionate healthcare.

The dental chairs are looking a bit more cozy now that the comfy cushions have been installed.

Additional parking spaces across the street of Legacy's new clinic in Montrose are being created.

The new backsplash tiles charmingly compliment the cabinets.

Going green! Gorgeous greenery are being planted around the building.

With a view like that, who needs art on the walls?

The Installed Roll Call

2011-07-20T16:15:00.000-05:00

Legacy enters its final leg of construction with the installment of doors, bathroom fixtures, ceiling tiles and more.

"The door to happiness opens outward." Beautifully crafted doors have been installed.

No resting in this restroom. The wallpaper, light switch and sinks have been installed.

Blinded by the light? No problem, blinds have been installed to help with that.

From down low to up high, ceiling tiles have been installed throughout the building.

The grid technique seen here allows water to reach the roots of the majestic trees surrounding the property.

Legacy protects and provides to the roots of the community; quite literally in this case.

Best seat in the house.

2011-07-13T14:36:00.000-05:00

Arguably one of the best seats in the house.

The dentist chairs have been delivered and are being assembled.

With a beautiful window view, going to the dentist becomes a relaxing experience.

"For every minute spent in organizing, an hour is earned." -Benjamin Franklin

Time will be earned with these newly installed shelfs.

The color yellow is said to promote optimism, enlightenment and happiness. A fitting color in this nearly complete exam room.

The completion of construction draws near. Check the blog for the final days as we cross our t's and dot our i's.

Looking more like a new home

2011-07-06T11:39:00.000-05:00

The building's interior grows more complex each day as the countdown to completion continues,
with newly installed carpet...

... new paint on the walls in the office area, ...

...and newly installed sinks too.

The elevator's first stop from the ground-level parking garage, which overlooks the area below.

Another look at the reception area, right off the elevators...

...and another view of the beautiful trees off California Street that the welcome area overlooks.

It's pretty easy to guess what this room, shown in the last entry, will be now!

Construction is Floor-ishing

2011-06-24T12:31:00.000-05:00

Flooring is being installed at the new Legacy Clinic in Montrose.

Knock on wood.

Not quite ready to walk on...

More floor.

Smile for tile in a future examine room.

Just in time for Hurricane season, the clinic's generator has been installed.

No signs of slowing down

2011-06-16T16:18:00.001-05:00

Whew, it is hot out there! Luckily, it's very cool inside Legacy's new clinic in Montrose.

The installation of cabinets continue to be built throughout the clinic.

With fresh paint and clean countertops, several rooms are close to being finished.

You thought untangling your ipod headphones was a challenge.

Construction on the administration floor continues with its open office concept.

Panoramic view from the fourth floor. Deep breathe. Take it all in.

Construction is Top Shelf

2011-06-10T11:05:00.000-05:00

The incredible progression of construction at the Legacy's new clinic in Montrose is "shelf-evident."

The shelving and cabinet units are being installed. It's okay to be a little "shelf-ish" sometimes.

Name the room above. Here's a hint: it's one of the most important rooms in any building.

Answer: the bathroom

Set in stone. The concrete has been laid for the future parking lot. Covered parking will also be available.

The onsite "sheetrock king" earned his title with his efficiency and dedication to his trade.

The entire atmosphere of the building is bright and pleasant and will soon be filled with employees dedicated to serving the community.

Onward & Upward

2011-06-03T14:33:00.001-05:00

The construction of Legacy continues to progress onward and upward.

Parking will available to the left of this lot. To the right will lay the dedication bricks available for purchase at http://www.BuildingOnOurLegacy.org/

Framed to perfection. The door frames have been installed. A tiny detail that goes a long way.

Stop and stair. Sheet rock has been added to the stairway.

A preview of our new pharmacy in its early stage.

Insulation work in the parking garage. Even in the warmest of weather, insulation must be installed.

There's no turning down the summer heat but fortunately the excitement and dedication to the project continues to rise.

A Warm Reception

2011-05-27T12:23:00.000-05:00

Legacy's mission to provide premium, compassionate, primary health services begin as soon as you step off the elevators at Legacy's new clinic in Montrose.

The reception area is beginning to take shape.

The reception is conveniently located just outside the elevator.

Every floor will have the same reception layout that will provide a sense of continuity throughout the entire clinic.

The reception lobby includes a beautiful view of the surrounding area.

Take a closer view outside one window. The surface grade is being prepared.

Every stage of construction creates a valuable piece in building Legacy.

Building Our Pathway to Our Legacy

2011-05-19T12:17:00.000-05:00

The Pathway to our Legacy kick-off party at the new California St. building on May 17 opened the construction site to the public for the first time.

Engravable bricks and engravable space on the sidewalk by the new building were for sale and still are - with enough character spaces to recognize a dear friend or loved one. To order, please visit here. Examples are below.

Legacy's Eric Roland holds and example brick with the maximum character spaces available.

Executive Director Katy Caldwell address the guests.

Co-founders of GCAM - the Gulf Coast Archive and Museum of the GLBT History. Jimmy Carper on right, Judy Reeves. For more information, visit www.gcam.org.

& a special thanks to caterers and new down-the-street neighbors Little Big's and El Real.

Pathway to our Legacy Kick-Off Party

2011-05-16T17:18:00.000-05:00

Excitement is building

2011-05-13T14:04:00.000-05:00

The progression of the construction process in a matter of a few months is incredible.

Before.

After.

Soon all the open windows will be sealed and the AC will be fully functioning.

The roof offers a quiet escape with a breathtaking view of downtown.

Very cool, literally.

2011-05-06T14:40:00.000-05:00

Before Houston's harsh summer heat wave hits, air conditioning units are being installed throughout Legacy's new clinic in Montrose.

According to www.Weather.com, the highest recorded temperature in Houston was 106° F in 1962.

The AC will be hidden with a dropped ceiling.

Construction marches on.

One of the future therapy rooms still in progress.

ARTitecture

2011-04-29T13:53:00.000-05:00

"The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance" -Aristotle

As the construction of Legacy's new clinic in Montrose continues, art has begun to surface from varies angles and perspectives.

Shapes and lines merge to harmoniously format an awe-inspiring view of downtown.

Sheetrock becomes blank canvases ready to be filled in by the unsuspecting artist.

Construction sites uniquely assimilate art with architecture. After all there is no creation without creativity.

Progress Report

2011-04-18T12:09:00.000-05:00

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress.

Working together is success.”

- Henry Ford

Behind the front doors of Legacy's new clinic in Montrose.

The sheetrock is gradually being assembled throughout the building.

Practice your smile. One of the future dental suites.

Higher and higher we go! The elevator shaft is installed.

Brick by brick, the building continues to form.

Come and knock on our doors...just not quite yet

2011-04-13T15:21:00.000-05:00

The front doors have been installed at Legacy's new clinic in Montrose.

Legacy hopes to open the doors to the new clinic as soon as September.

It has been said "The door to happiness opens outward." Legacy welcomes Houstonians in a culturally sensitive, judgment-free and confident environment.

It's what's on the inside that counts.

2011-04-08T12:03:00.000-05:00

The new clinic continues to come together first on the outside and now on the inside.

Every lobby welcomes visitors with a beautiful view of the trees that symbolize the deep roots that Legacy has in the community.

A look from the side facing Westheimer. If you look hard enough, you can see Copydotcom.

Located in the heart of the Montrose area, the new clinic will be conveniently located on California St. just North of Westheimer.

The administrative level's open floor plan will promote effective communication and teamwork.

The building offers a remarkable view of downtown and even more remarkable are the expanded health services that Legacy will provide for patients.

April Tools - April 1, 2011

2011-04-01T16:12:00.000-05:00

It's no joke that the outside of the new 1415 California Street building looks almost complete.

Workers are busy at each wall of the building's exterior as many more are work inside.

Just another brick in the wall

2011-03-21T14:21:00.000-05:00

The wall on the southeast side of the building is almost complete. Bricks fill the gaps between the windows, except for the windows near where the trees stand.
The windows are reflective enough to show the clouds in the sky above, which means the windows will reflect enough sunlight to keep the building's inside relatively cool.

On the Eve of Spring

2011-03-09T10:32:00.001-06:00

Today is the 120th day since the groundbreaking of our new 1415 California St. location.

At this point, the building is starting to resemble the initial renderings:

Is that a tree up there?!

2011-03-03T15:42:00.000-06:00

Why yes, yes it is. Legacy celebrated the tradition of "topping off" for the new clinic in Montrose.

In building construction, "topping off" is a ceremony held when the last beam is placed at the top of a building.

The term may also refer to the overall completion of the building's structure, or an intermediate point, such as when the roof is dried in.

The tree is not only a symbol, it will be transplanted as part of the landscape for the clinic.

For more photos from the "Topping Off" party please visit Legacy's Facebook.

March 1, 2011

2011-03-01T10:35:00.000-06:00

It won't be long before work on the exterior of the building is completed.The space around the 3 oak trees still needs to be landscaped. Some of the important arteries of the building - electricity, air - have already been installed inside.
The future underground parking garage (shown below). Additional parking will be across California Street.

February 21, 2011

2011-02-21T14:43:00.000-06:00

Construction at the site the week has started with workers continuing to install the wall of windows on the southeast side's top floor.
Windows on the lower levels have been installed. Duct work now stretches out like tree branches to each corner of the building.

Workers in the photo below colaborate as one operates a cherry-picker.

We Have Windows

2011-02-18T10:16:00.000-06:00

This week, workers started installing the tall windows that will all over the new building.

The soon-to-be beautiful views will allow for much natural light to pour in.

February 10, 2011

2011-02-10T10:54:00.000-06:00

Workers at the site have began installing the skin of the building this week (the drywall).

The drywall, shown in the pictures above and below, is made of gypsum plaster pressed between 2 fiberglass sheets.

The Big Freeze, 2011

2011-02-07T08:54:00.000-06:00

Work at the building site was not completely stopped, only slowed by the freeze across Houston last week.

There was no snow as originally forecast, but everything coated in the rain froze over and made for working conditions as unsafe as the driving conditions.

Workers have installed the system of air ducts inside of the building:

On the outside of the building, workers continued to brave the heights and prepare to install the outer walls of the building.

An Exclusive Tour

2011-01-21T15:51:00.000-06:00

We have a special treat for our readers. So, everyone, please make sure your hardhats are secure because we're heading to the roof of the new building...

This picture shows how expansive Houston is. New York City could fit almost two times inside of Houston's city limit (that's if you consider the 2000 Census data).

Below is a view South, from the fourth floor.

Below is a view East, from the fourth floor.

What a view!

Tuesday, January 19

2011-01-19T11:25:00.000-06:00

This week's construction has started with continued installation of siding supports. If you look across the bottom floor, what will be the underground parking garage, you can see the sparks dropping from the welders' buzzing torches.

Below you'll see that even security at the construction site is environmentally friendly. Plus, I'm sure nearby neighbors wouldn't have appreciated a gas generator humming all night to power these cameras.

January 13, 2011

2011-01-13T16:41:00.000-06:00

(Above:) Facing northwest from Waugh and Westheimer roads, the new building is hard to miss.

This week, many cement trucks made many deliveries to the site. A concrete pump then aided workers in their task of completing each floor.

(Below:) A worker blows off excess water

(Below:) The stairs have been fully installed, the elevator shaft will be completed later on

(Below:) This machine is used to spread and smooth the wet cement

A New Decade, A New Legacy

2011-01-07T17:03:00.000-06:00

Construction continued as we ushered in a new decade this past weekend.

Workers are now preparing to install the building's utility lines; all the nerves and cappillaries of the new building now that the steel skeleton is in place.

We at Legacy Community Health Services are so excited about what this new decade has in store. We're ready to continue leaving our Legacy by building healthy Houston communities. If you'd like to leave your own Legacy through the work we do, please consider donating here!

And remember, any donation of any size counts. Like with the building, every small piece in some way or another helps make it strong. Thank you!

Moving on up!

2011-01-04T15:19:00.000-06:00

The framework of Legacy's new clinic in Montrose stands tall.

The soon-to-be windows will overlook the ever-expanding canopy of the beautiful 100-year-old oak trees.

What was once a concept is now a piece of Legacy.

Happy Holidays from Legacy Community Health Services!

2010-12-21T16:43:00.000-06:00

The Holidays are here and we wanted to wish everyone the Happiest of Holidays. We're taking a short break for the Holidays but will be back posting updates in a few days.

Here's some recent photos:

Below you'll see the future entrance to the ground-level parking garage.

Yikes! Not a job for those with a fear of heights.

Monday, December 20

2010-12-20T12:43:00.000-06:00

We've seen the first-floor parking garage of the future building completed, then the 2nd, the 3rd and now we see the 4th floor of the new building is under construction. The steel frame of the building is visible for several blocks in any direction from the construction site.

Every steel piece is carefully fitted by a welder. If you drive past the site and see a welder DO NOT look at the light of their torch, you could seriously damage your eyes.

Taking Shape

2010-12-15T16:46:00.000-06:00

The floors are rising fast at the construction site as workers assemble the steel together. It's really exciting to see the building finally taking shape.

Tune in Sunday

2010-12-10T16:14:00.000-06:00

Tune in to hear the 15 minute Legacy interview with Timmy Martinez on CBS Radio this Sunday, Dec. 12.

Here are the times/stations that Houston Weekend Magazine airs:

KKHH HOT 95.7 FM Sunday 6am www.hot957houston.com

KHMX MIX 96.5 FM Sunday 6am www.mix965houston.com

KILT 100.3 FM Sunday 6am www.kilt.com

KILTAM SportsRadio 610AM Sun 11pm** www.sportsradio610.com

**This air time can change according to NFL games during football season!

KIKKAM Talk 650AM Sunday 7am www.650houston.com

Steel Beams for Hopes and Dreams

2010-12-09T16:20:00.000-06:00

Just as strong bones protect the heart, these steel beams will protect the heart of Legacy.

Already two stories high, the building is beginning to take shape.

The majestic oak tree lends itself as a reflection of Legacy's continual growth and deep roots within the community.

Sun roof...but not for long.

Beams of steel that lead to beams of hope.

Building blocks

2010-12-07T13:04:00.000-06:00

Enormous steel beams arrived at the construction site today. The beams are so large and heavy that to move them requires the use of the crane that arrived the day before.

The pictures posted yesterday showed an the incomplete crane. Today both parts of the arm are attached, the longer part (the boom) and the shorter section from which the hook hangs (the jib). Workers hook cables around steel beams on a truck, give the crane operator a signal, and the beam is hoisted high and around the trees to be placed where other workers can install them.

Soon this pile of steel will be the skeleton for the new building.

The Crane Arrives

2010-12-06T16:50:00.000-06:00

Today the construction site recieved a special delivery, the enormous crane that will assemble the steel frame of the new building.

After assembling the crane, workers lifted its long arm. It's is almost as long as the length of the 1415 property!

What a treat, it's concrete!

2010-12-02T18:17:00.000-06:00

The concrete has been laid at the site of Legacy's new clinic in Montrose. Yet another step closer towards building a better and bigger Legacy.

Fresh Dirt

2010-11-19T16:07:00.000-06:00

There was no hesitation to begin work after the Groundbreaking ceremony last week. The ground level plumbing was installed.

At this point in the constuction, the tallest figures at 1415 California Street are the 3 trees at the northwest corner of the property.

These three beautiful oak trees that Legacy Community Health Services were saved for the new building because they represent what Legacy stands for. Our roots in the Montrose community go deep, back 30 years to when we were known as "The Montrose Clinic." The old trees symbolize the life we bring to community through our care services, and they serve as a symbol for those who have come before us. Because of those who came before us, we can leave our legacy with this heath clinic that can be a refuge in times of trouble, and symbol of hope in Montrose for 30 years and years to come.

Legacy Community Health Services Ground Breaking

2010-11-11T16:54:00.000-06:00

Houston Mayor Annise Parker and local community leaders joined Legacy Community Health Services’ Executive Director Katy Caldwell, Legacy staff, board members, supporters and donors at a ground breaking ceremony of the new 40,000 square foot clinic under construction in Montrose at 1415 California St. on Wed., Nov.10.

Special thanks to D.E. Harvey Builders, Vice President Mark Hammer, Project Manager Cameron Alexander, and Superintendent Mike Hoffart for all their support and assistance.

In Ground Breaking Photo: Chairman of Legacy Endowment Board Melanie Gray, Houston City Council members Ed Gonzalez (Dist. H), Wanda Adams (Dist. D), Mayor Anise Parker, Sue Lovell (At-Large Position 2), Legacy Executive Director Katy Caldwell, Legacy President of the Board James A. Reeder, Jr. and Jay Allen, donor and previous owner of 1415 California.

Photo credit: David Clements

A beautiful day for construction

2010-11-05T14:56:00.000-05:00

Today was a beautiful day in Houston, so the building site was full of activity.

Dump-truck after dump-truck would enter the site, back into the hole that was dug, and depart to let the next truck come in.

After the dump truck would leave, men in small bulldozers spread out the dirt.

A Construction Site

2010-10-22T13:03:00.000-05:00

The property at 1415 California Street was first established decades ago; it was once the home of United Cerebral Palsy, the home of Theatre New West, the home of the 1415 Bar and Grill, the home of Club 1415, the home of Your Body Center, and once the home of Q-Video is finally ready to be the future home of Legacy Community Health Services. The property finally looks like a construction site.

Below, you can see where workers have dug what will be the bottom of an elevator shaft.

Here are some more photos of the site:

The Drilling Begins

2010-10-13T16:47:00.000-05:00

Drill rigs were on site today, getting the foundation started.

Bringing People Closer

2010-10-12T13:51:00.000-05:00

Bringing People Closer - Judi's Story

October 8, 2010

2010-10-08T15:52:00.000-05:00

Fall is finally here and the weather is pleasant again in Houston. The future site of Legacy now looks ready for construction.

The parking lot behind the chain fence will be the location of the groundbreaking ceremony.

The parking lot across California Street has been made into the offices. Chain fences surround both sides of the construction site.

October 1, 2010

2010-10-01T13:08:00.000-05:00

The invitations are being written and plans are in motion for the groundbreaking ceremony, but stay tuned for the announcement of a date.

The ceremony will be complete with special guests, hardhats and shovels.

We will keep you updated!

September 17, 2010

2010-09-17T16:28:00.000-05:00

In a short amount of time, the new 1415 California St. will begin to rise up from the blank dirt there today.

A Groundbreaking Ceremony will be arranged for when official construction begins, so stay tuned for updates.

And remember, in about a year, the plot of dirt above will look like this model below...

The Pathway to our Legacy

2010-09-10T15:10:00.000-05:00

If you would like to be a part of Building Our Legacy, we invite you to participate in our Pathway to Our Legacy program by purchasing a brick for the new building. Some groups of 2-3 people have joined to purchase a brick together.

We have two sizes of brick you may purchase:
-4" by 8" for $100
-8" by 8" for $250
On the brick you may inscribe your own name or the name of someone you would like to honor.

To be a part of our Legacy, contact Timmy Martinez to purchase your brick.
tjmartinez@legacycommunityhealth.org
(713) 574-9713

Thank you!

A Message from the Executive Director

2010-09-03T12:21:00.000-05:00

On July 28th, Day 1 of the demolition, Legacy Executive Director Katy Caldwell talks about a new addition to the community.

Out with the old, in with the new

2010-08-27T11:48:00.000-05:00

With the last remnants of the old building in a final pile of debris to be hauled away, work on the new facility will begin soon.

The topsoil has been flattened and the backwall has been painted. Today, crews worked on building a gutter system on the back wall of the shops on Westheimer.

Also, a barrier was placed around the largest oak tree and the soil inside was topped with dirt. The water drainage system installed in the new facility will collect rainwater to feed the surrounding landscape.

1415 California Street Transformed

2010-08-20T13:23:00.000-05:00

This week at the construction site crews transformed the jagged back wall of the shops on Westheimer into a smooth wall, leaving no evidence that the old building once shared the wall with those shops.

The wall, being worked on last week.

The wall today. No graffiti, like the walls of the new building will look with the help of graffiti-resistant paint.

In addition to work on the back wall, crews dug into the ground in search of more concrete debris. After all, there was once an indoor pool on the property. Check the August 9th entry for a full history of 1415 California Street.

Do you have memories from the old building? Please comment to share!

A Legacy in the Making

2010-08-13T15:12:00.000-05:00

After being converted from a school for children with Cerebral Palsy to a United Cerebral Palsy Center, then to restaurants, night clubs and a video store, the old building at 1415 California is no more.
The building is gone but the Legacy of care will continue.

Today, workers started work on the back wall of the buildings on Westheimer.

Thursday, August 12

2010-08-12T16:20:00.000-05:00

Today, demolition crews worked on taking down the last of the old building.

From about 1:15 p.m. to 1:45 a thunderstorm moved into the area, but it didn't stop the workers who continued cleaning debris in the rain.

The Cleanup Continues

2010-08-11T15:51:00.001-05:00

The half-demolished structure to the right of the excavator in this picture is all that remains of the old building. Today crews worked fast to continue loading dump trucks that would arrive one after another.

Rght as this one above was leaving another one came and backed into the same spot for loading.

Keep checking the blog for more updates!

A Bigger, Better Building

2010-08-10T12:07:00.000-05:00

Cleanup continued fast today thanks to the help of a second excavator.

Under the rubble of the old building, Legacy Community Health Services will build a bigger, state of the art facility with the parking to accommodate it.

Some things to anticipate in the new facility:

40,000 square feet of usable space, almost doubling the currently used space at 3 different locations
Housing 8 specialty clinics, 10 social service programs, 4 health education programs and more
Dental clinic with 4 chairs
Eye clinic with 4 exam rooms
Pharmacy located on ground level
Over 130 parking spaces
Over 25 exam rooms
Courtyard with seating
Saved 3 large oak trees, each of them nearly 100 years old
LEED approved green building

The Walls Come Tumbling Down

2010-08-09T15:57:00.000-05:00

The walls of the building that once stood on the grounds of the future Legacy building were demolished today.

History of What Once Stood

The building was originally built in 1947 as a school for children with cerebral palsy and eventually became United Cerebral Palsy serving children and adults with all disabilities. The building had classrooms and therapy rooms, some decorated with popular children’s animated characters like Pluto, a cafeteria and even a swimming pool.

After the school closed in 1998, the building sat abandoned for a few years. In 2000, Theatre New West under the direction of Joe Watts, began staging productions of mostly gay-themed plays, including their most successful production – "The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told." In the early 2000s, the upstairs auditorium became Sonoma Restaurant and later 1415 Bar and Grill. After the restaurant closed, the upstairs auditorium and large deck became Club 1415, a Montrose dance club.

The downstairs classrooms and therapy rooms were all repurposed. Your Body Center, a yoga studio, took advantage of several large classrooms and nonprofit organizations, including PRIDE Houston, used former classrooms and offices as their home base. The area that was once an indoor swimming pool was filled in and became a video rental store specializing in gay and lesbian themed movies. Prior to purchasing the property in 2007, Legacy Community Health Services hosted their annual Miss Mint Julep fundraiser at Club 1415 for two years in a row. In fact, Legacy’s Executive Director Katy Caldwell got the idea for purchasing the property and converting into a new clinic at the annual drag show fundraiser.

Rooted in the Community

2010-08-06T16:34:00.000-05:00

Legacy is preserving three magnificient oak trees that will remain untouched during the building process. This is one of the majestic oaks that will provide shade and natural beauty to the new facility.

The trees symbolize what Legacy Community Health Services is all about. Legacy started as a tiny seed and began to grow many different directions with many unique branches. It continues to grow but is strongly held together with deep roots in the community.

As Alexander Smith once said "A man doesn't plant a tree for himself. He plants it for posterity." We hope to Build a Legacy that will benefit many generations to come.

With or Without You...

2010-08-05T16:16:00.000-05:00

A lot of debris clearing was done today. A hollow building makes a tall pile of concrete and brick!

The elevator to nowhere!

A Graffiti artist had U2 stuck in his head. But don't worry, the new building will have graffiti-resistant paint!

Wednesday, August 4th

2010-08-04T15:18:00.000-05:00

Today the excavator crawled around piles of debris and continued to take down walls.

A little interesting piece of art from the old building, Disney's Pluto the Dog!

What will be part of the many parking spaces that will be available across California Street at the new facility...

Keep checking for this blog for more updates on the demolition!

The Walls Keep Coming Down

2010-08-03T16:07:00.000-05:00

A lot of progress has been made these past few days. With every wall that goes down the great size of the coming building is made more apparent.

There was one of the demolition crew that was spraying around the excavator's scoop at all times. This process keeps dust to a minimum, fortunately.

This picture shows a view east, parallel to California Street (taken under the shade of one of three magnificient oaks that will remain untouched during the building process.) Here, several downtown buildings are visible in the distance...

...Here, the red brick building at the bottom of the picture is the Slick Willies on Westheimer.

...But for a bird's eye view, the site located at the little "A" on this map.

Building On Our Legacy

2010-08-02T15:37:00.000-05:00

What you see here is the new site for Legacy Commmunity Health Services!
The new facility was made possible through the generous support of so many in our community. Legacy's history is rich, and its mission is noble.

In 1978 the Montrose Clinic was founded primarily for screening, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases primarily for gay men. In 1982, The Montrose Clinic initiated PACE (Program for AIDS Counseling and Evaluation), marking the first effort of this kind in Houston. In 1994 the Montrose Clinic consolidated its programs into one facility at 215 Westheimer and just two years later began the operation of women's health services. In the decade after The Montrose Clinic and the Assistance Fund merged to become Legacy Community Health Services and opened several satellite locations. By 2007 Legacy Community Health Services was granted full status as a Federally Qualified Health Center offering primary care services to Houston's uninsured and underinsured. Today, with the support of the community, the generosity of our donors, and the dedication of all those who work with us and for us, we start again to Build on Our Legacy.

Approximately a year from now, on this site, your support, your enthusiasm and your commitment to what Legacy has provided to the community in the past, what it has grown to become, and what it will evolve into, will be realized in a facility that the entire community can be proud of.

Our work continues, as we serve as a healthcare home by building a network of community clinics where people will feel welcomed and respected while receiving the highest quality healthcare services, regardless of their ability to pay. We believe that quality comprehensive healthcare is a fundamental human right that grounds an individual physically, emotionally and spiritually. This right promotes balance and stability for our patients, which results in a healthier and more productive community. We value our diverse communities. We engage and respect everyone.

Today, demolition crews continued to carefully take down walls of the old building...

2010-07-30T10:18:00.000-05:00