The renovation and expansion of the Akron City Hospital Emergency Department adds 85,000 sq. ft. of space with 44 beds and 10 triage rooms. Akron City Hospital, a member of Summa Health System, is a Level 1 Trauma Center.

Approximately 15,000 linear feet of 3 5/8”, 20 gauge Flex-C Trac and 1,200 linear feet of 20 gauge Flex-C Angle were used to frame prominent radiuses and soffits for the Akron, OH project.

Design for the project was provided by HFP/Ambruske Architects, Inc., Cleveland, OH. “The use of curves followed the form and function of the building,” said Mike Serafin, vice president. “The soffits mirror the floor traffic pattern and help with the flow. We also used curved soffits over key doorways as way-finding devices.” According to Serafin, the greatest challenge of the renovation was keeping the ER functioning smoothly while the construction was underway.

Installation of the Flex-Ability Concepts products was done by Competitive Interiors, Inc., Ravenna, OH. Jack Walden, director of construction at Competitive Interiors, is a regular Flex-C Trac user. “These types of projects have become pretty commonplace as architects seem to include more and more curves in their designs, Walden said. “The flexible track is a really efficient way to frame them. I’m a carpenter with 25 years doing this and I remember the old days when we would cut the track and use track benders and tools like that. Flex-C Trac definitely saves time.”

The Flex-Ability Concepts distributor on the project was Diamond Building Supply, Inc., Diamond, OH.