Tufts University – Foster Hospital for Small Animals
Expansion and Renovation at Tufts University’s Foster Hospital for Small Animals
As the Construction Manager at Risk, TOCCI led the expansion and renovation of Tufts University’s Henry and Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals. This project involved reconfiguring and renovating 18,000 square feet of existing space and adding a 4,000 square foot curtain wall extension to accommodate the growing participation of Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.
- Location
- Grafton, MA
- Owner
- Tufts University
- Architect
- Payette
Enhance Care Through Thoughtful Design
Working within an active veterinary hospital, TOCCI prioritized safety and minimal disruption while delivering a modernized facility. The project expanded reception and waiting areas, introduced state-of-the-art exam rooms near the entrance, and reorganized client services to streamline communication and traffic flow.
Construction was sequenced around ongoing hospital operations. Temporary trailers sustained clinical capacity, while phased renovations kept exam rooms, treatment spaces, and emergency functions active without disruption. The team updated Tufts staff on a weekly basis, providing visual, colored maps of upcoming changes two weeks ahead of time so staff knew how to get sick animals to care quickly.
Noise, dust, and vibration mitigation were critical in a live veterinary environment. TOCCI implemented strict infection control protocols to safeguard patients, staff, and students while maintaining a clean, safe setting for ongoing care.
Upgrades included slab pours, radiant heating, and a new curtain wall system, all carefully commissioned to enhance energy efficiency and user comfort. This integration not only improved building performance but also supported Tufts’ dual mission of clinical excellence and hands-on veterinary education.
“In addition to the impressive physical improvements, the benefits of this renovation go beyond what our patients and clients see when they walk in the door. The overall space is more conducive to collaboration and communication, which can improve care on complex patient cases that involve multiple specialists, enable important clinical research and discussion, and enhance hands-on student learning.”Dr. Virginia Rentko, VMD, Medical DirectorFoster Hospital and the Hospital for Large Animals at Cummings Veterinary Medical Center
“With this renovation, the client experience is so much better. The whole work flow is better and has improved our ability to deliver emergency care.”Dr. Armelle M. de Laforcade, Associate ProfessorCummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
Infinite possibilities in defined spaces
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