CBIA BizCast: Downes Construction Partners with Hospital for Special Care

CBIA BizCast host Ali Warshavsky speaks with Tom Romagnoli, Downes Construction’s assistant director of operations, and Lynn Ricci and Jeff Lawton from New Britain’s Hospital for Special Care, about their partnership.

Ricci, the hospital’s CEO, approached Downes in 2019 to build and renovate a partial hospital unit for kids with autism spectrum disorder.

The unite provides an intensive day program for those not able to participate in other treatments or school programs safely. It’s unique and one of 11 in the country.

Romagnoli said they ordered their supplies before the pandemic hit and were able to finish the project on time despite supply chain challenges COVID-19 caused. They implemented daily health checks for onsite workers and thorough contact tracing. 

“As people were driving to work there were billboards and things telling people to stay home,” said Romagnoli. “First and foremost we needed to make sure our workforce felt safe and comfortable coming to work.” 

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