SITUATION

• Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, required a full roof replacement at an eight-story, occupied hospital. The approximately 180,000-square-foot project included 26 roof levels and multiple roofing system types.

• The scope required complete removal and replacement of the existing roofs, with careful management of noise, odors, and construction logistics to minimize disruption to patient care and daily hospital operations.

CHALLENGES

• Work took place at a high-profile medical facility with strict security protocols and sensitive patient care environments. Roof areas were located above operating rooms in use around the clock and wings serving patients with post-traumatic stress disorder. Work also involved catwalks above vehicle and pedestrian entrances and roof areas adjacent to the presidential suite.

• A tight winter schedule introduced temperature restrictions and weather-related challenges. An administration change brought evolving security and access requirements while the hospital faced increased operational demands.

• Construction also took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring the team to navigate additional health protocols within an occupied healthcare setting. These overlapping constraints demanded careful sequencing, experienced personnel, and close coordination with hospital and Navy project representatives.

SOLUTIONS AND RESULTS

• PAX Services Group staffed the project with twice the field resources typically assigned to work of this size and scope. All project staff had significant experience working at secure healthcare facilities, supporting the coordination required for the hospital’s sensitive operations.

• The project management team anticipated potential issues, adjusted activities to changing requirements, and maintained close communication with Navy project management. Careful operational planning and resource allocation helped the team manage winter conditions, pandemic protocols, and restricted work areas while adhering to safety and security requirements.

• PAX completed the project on time and within budget and earned strong recommendations from Navy facility and project staff. The completed roofing system provides durable weather protection for a critical medical facility.