Gunn Meyerhoff Shay’s services on the Martha B. Fay Health Center began in 1996 with a comprehensive program and masterplan for the site and facilities, which became the basis for the S.P.L.O.S.T. allocation of $10MM. Later, the firm was engaged as part of a team with Rives Worrell Company/JE Dunn to design and construct the programmed facilities. The budget for the building was reduced to $8.5 million due to reduced collections, but the project was completed on time, at the reduced budget, and still qualifying for LEED gold certification from USGBC. The project also had over 70% local participation and over 30% minority and women owned business participation.

Trident Sustainability Group wrote a great review of our project:
 
"The LEED NC Gold certified Martha B. Faye Chatham County Health Department is a cutting-edge health center that replaces the 57 year old former facility next door. The new facility is a beacon of sustainability for Chatham County and its residents, providing a healthy, high performance environment for the treatment of residents of the area.
 
Water use was cut inside the building by over 30% through the use of low flow plumbing fixtures, while xeriscape landscaping techniques eliminated the need for an irrigation system for the site. The building features a bus stop on site with 2 lines connecting, as well as preferred parking for carpoolers and those driving fuel efficient vehicles. Energy savings of over 25% are expected, with a high-efficiency chiller and Mitsubishi VRF heating and cooling system installed. T5 and compact fluorescent lighting provides a high-quality treatment and work environment without excessive electricity consumption, and a solar thermal system on the roof provides free hot water throughout the building.
 
Low emitting products and finishes were used throughout, and the entire building was flushed out prior to occupancy to ensure no lingering pollutants remain.”