Schaefer completed a structural study to determine the feasibility of a four story, 158,500 sq ft vertical expansion to the existing UC West Chester Hospital. To capture the existing structural demands and capacities as well as more fully investigate a preferred architectural option for the tower’s vertical expansion, Schaefer also created a structural analysis model. Included in the final deliverable, Schaefer outlined existing foundation and column capacities, and lateral frame capacities. Schaefer anticipated challenges and possible solutions for each, including reinforcing components of the existing building to support new loads and providing recommendations on adjusting the extents of the proposed expansion to avoid/limit reinforcing and disruption to occupied spaces.