Volunteers of America

With Ohio facing one of the nation’s highest opioid-related overdose rates, Volunteers of America sought to address the gap in family-based residential recovery programs. Lehman Daman was hired to renovate the Fresh Start Recovery Center, creating a safe, trauma-informed environment for pregnant women and mothers seeking treatment.

Project Overview

In an effort to address the critical gap in family-based residential recovery programs and combat the opioid epidemic in Ohio, Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana (VOA) sought to open a Fresh Start Family Focused Recovery Center in downtown Columbus.

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With a focus on keeping families together, this program will provide comprehensive support to pregnant women and mothers battling substance use disorders, while ensuring their children remain under their care.

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Lehman Daman was hired to complete the renovation of their four-story facility which features medical care, addiction therapy, behavioral health services, onsite daycare, and other support resources.

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Partners

Darin Ranker

Catalyst Engineering

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Client

Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana

Location

Columbus, Ohio

General Contracting

delivery

Renovation

project type

15,000 SF

Square feet

Project Challenges

The age and state of the building presented serious challenges. Originally built in the 1960s, the entire exterior brick façade, vapor barrier, and insulation needed to be replaced by L/D to restore the structural integrity and safety of the facility. Due to the unstable condition of the bricks, there was a significant risk of large sections falling onto the sidewalk or street below, potentially endangering pedestrians. To mitigate this risk, each brick was carefully removed one by one using various lifts. Lehman Daman had additional safety personnel throughout the demolition process to oversee the work and maintain a safe environment.

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Additionally, the project site was located just two blocks from a Level 4 trauma center. Lehman Daman carefully coordinated with The City of Columbus to strategically plan lane closures to minimize disruptions.

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