CTRB D Level | Large Animal Imaging Suite

Colket Translational Research Building | CHOP Research Campus | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Watson renovated the D Level of CHOP’s Colket Translational Research Building to create a specialized Large Animal Imaging Suite. The project included a dedicated imaging control room and a new garage entry designed to accommodate the delivery, movement, and precise rigging of a full-size MRI unit into an existing research facility.

The Colket Translational Research Building is part of CHOP’s Raymond G. Perelman research campus, which brings laboratory investigation and translational research together in support of the hospital’s pediatric research mission. Working within this environment required construction decisions to account for both the technical demands of advanced imaging equipment and the sensitive research continuing throughout the building.

Delivering the MRI system involved far more than moving equipment through an opening. Watson coordinated structural modifications, access and rigging plans, equipment clearances, building-system requirements, and the sequence of installation. Each step had to be planned around the physical constraints of the existing building while protecting adjacent spaces and maintaining safe access for researchers and staff.

The imaging suite and control room also required close coordination among architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and equipment teams. Infrastructure had to be positioned and installed with the precision necessary to support the MRI system’s operation, ongoing maintenance, and specialized research applications.

Throughout construction, Watson carefully managed noise, vibration, dust, deliveries, and access to minimize disruption to the occupied research environment. The result is a purpose-built imaging suite successfully integrated into an existing facility without compromising the important work continuing around it.

This project demonstrates Watson’s ability to solve complex logistical and infrastructure challenges while delivering precision environments for advanced biomedical research.

Precision equipment. Constrained conditions. Carefully coordinated delivery.