Pima County officials marked the start of construction of the new Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner, a $45-million facility designed to meet future growth within Pima County in Arizona and the region.
Kitchell is overseeing the project construction, with design services provided by SmithGroup.
The 34,000-square-foot facility will have two distinct zones. One area will support administrative functions with offices, a public lobby, meeting rooms, a large conference room and other support spaces. The autopsy area will include six stations with an observation gallery, an aseptic room, anthropology, imaging, unidentified remains storage and a 200- to 300-body cold storage. A courtyard between the two functioning spaces will feature public art that honors the personal experiences of the public and the significance of the services provided by the OME.
The design incorporates technologies to improve quality and increase efficiency. The public interface will improve the experience for stakeholders, as many of these interactions are highly sensitive. The OME assists and provides a proper and dignified disposition for low-income and/or unclaimed decedents.
The construction timeline is 12-18 months.
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