Project Overview

In 2018, Southern Oregon Friends of Hospice transformed the historic Harry Holmes Mansion into Celia’s House, a 12-bed residential hospice care facility. This project combined the preservation of a 1939 architectural landmark with the creation of a serene environment for end-of-life care. The renovation included a 5,723-square-foot addition, enhancing the facility's capacity to serve the community.

Role & Responsibilities

Electrical Engineering: Upgraded the existing electrical systems to support modern medical equipment, lighting, and emergency power needs.

Fire Alarm: Integrated fire safety systems, ensuring compliance with regulations without compromising the building's historical features.

Data & Communications: Established IT infrastructure to support administrative operations and resident care coordination, including access control and nursing station systems.

Key Challenges & Solutions

🔹 Historic Preservation: Maintaining the mansion's historical character while upgrading to modern healthcare facility standards.
✔ Solution: Collaborated with preservation specialists to ensure that renovations met both historical and functional requirements.

🔹 Upgraded Life Safety Systems: Designing new fire alarm control panel for elevator and residential facility detection and notification.
✔ Solution: Implemented dedicated supervisory control panels and coordinated with the AHJ to confirm all requirements.

🔹 New Electric Service & Grounding: Designing new overhead utility power for new branch circuiting and refeed older power distribution.
✔ Solution: Extensive site visits and field investigations were performed to interface the new service with older systems and identify the requirements for upgraded grounding systems (including electrode and equipment grounding) to accommodate sensitive electronics and increase safety.

Outcome & Impact

✅ Successfully merged historical preservation with modern healthcare facility requirements.
✅ Created a tranquil environment that supports dignified end-of-life care for residents and their families.
✅ Enhanced the community's access to compassionate hospice services in a setting that honors the past while serving present needs.

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Southern Oregon Friends of Hospice – Celia’s House in Holmes Park (Medford, OR)