Alcoa-based general contractor Hickory Construction is pleased to add the newly completed Big Springs Veterinary Hospital to its growing resume of medical projects.
With spacious kennels, a client-friendly lobby, and treatment areas for dogs and cats on opposite sides of the facility, Big Springs is an important addition to the Maryville community. With this new facility, the team aims to reach new community members, a challenge embraced by Hickory Construction.
The team identified ways to optimize the new location for visibility along U.S. Highway 321, said Chris Duncan, Hickory’s vice president of commercial operations.
“During the course of the site work, we discovered that we had enough dirt to raise the building up another full foot,” Duncan says. “That increased elevation gave Big Springs better exposure to Highway 321 by making their gable sign more visible to drivers.”
At Big Springs’ recent open house, Big Springs owners Dr. Carrie Talley and Dr. Deanna Walker invited visitors to enjoy food, fun, hospital tours, a pet adoption event, artists, giveaways and more. Attendees could also purchase a Big Springs t-shirt with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Blount County Animal Care Foundation.
Tour participants were guided through spacious exam rooms with dedicated spaces for cats and dogs. Each room was brightened by artwork of furry patients, tranquil hues and large windows. Hickory’s services also included selection of artwork, color scheme, flooring and more for the Big Springs team.
Outside of the 4,382-square-foot facility, a shaded fenced-in run provides plenty of space for dogs to exercise during their visit. “Hickory helped Big Springs review a series of lots,” says Duncan. “But one of the selling points on the lot they selected was the private and shaded dog run area.” Other building features include a dog wash area, an X-ray room, a surgery room, a treatment area and lab, several storage areas and office space. Stuart H. Anderson, AIA, LEED AP of George Armour Ewart Architect served as the project architect.