Project Spotlight

Behind the Build: Transforming the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center

At VVA, we take pride in delivering project and cost management expertise for complex, high-stakes projects. Some projects, however, resonate on a deeper level—those that impact lives in meaningful ways. The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York City is one such project.

As the world’s largest veterinary teaching hospital and NYC’s only Level 1 veterinary trauma center, Schwarzman Animal Medical Center is a lifeline for animals and their owners. With a team of 140+ veterinarians across 20 specialties, they provide critical care to beloved pets, service animals, and even the NYPD’s working dogs and horses. Given the essential role the center plays in the community, VVA was honored to help bring their ambitious expansion and renovation project to life.

A Major Investment in Veterinary Medicine

Schwarzman Animal Medical Center’s transformation is a multi-phase, 4+ year project, involving both a significant expansion and a full renovation of existing facilities. When VVA was brought in mid-project, we provided both project management and cost management expertise, ensuring seamless execution while keeping the hospital fully operational—a challenge that required meticulous coordination.

Scope of work includes:

A brand-new hospital wing, expanding SAMC’s capacity to treat more patients
Renovations to all existing facilities, including state-of-the-art operating rooms, therapy spaces, and upgraded infrastructure
Installation of new generators and advanced cooling systems, ensuring uninterrupted operations
A complete exterior transformation, featuring new signage, brickwork, and an updated façade
Critical civil and infrastructure updates, including street modifications, elevator and garage improvements, and an enhanced reception area

Challenges in a 24/7 Facility

Executing a large-scale project in an active, 24/7 medical environment was no small feat. Unlike a typical construction project, there was no option to pause operations—the center needed to continue saving lives while major renovations took place. Careful scheduling, phased construction, and proactive problem-solving were key to ensuring uninterrupted patient care while modernizing the facility for the future.

VVA is proud to support Schwarzman Animal Medical Center’s mission by delivering a space that matches the excellence, innovation, and compassion that define their care. With this transformation, the center is positioned to continue its legacy as a world-class institution, providing life-saving treatment for generations to come.

“Transforming the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center has been an incredibly complex and rewarding project. The scale of the renovation, the intricate details of the construction logistics, and the massive transformation of the building all reflect the significance of the organization it houses. Knowing this revitalized space will have a profound impact on the dedicated staff, the patients they care for, and their loved ones makes this one of the most fulfilling experiences for VVA.”

VVA’s Kim Beisner & Perry Vella, who are spearheading the project

“Not only was VVA able to very effectively interface with the construction company and other vendors, they were uniquely positioned to keep the project on track and ensure significant cost savings along the way.”

Helen, President & CEP, Schwarzman Animal Medical Center

Services include:

Project Management
Presentations to the Board
Contract Negotiation
Design Management
Construction Administration
Scheduling
Cost Management
Cost Controls
Move-In
Post Occupancy Phase