Ridgewood Orthopedics to Expand in Poskanzer Skott-Designed Space

Environment Reflects Culture of Providing Comfort and Focus on Patient Care

RIDGEWOOD, N.J.,Oct. 15, 2015 – When Ridgewood Orthopedic Group, LLC purchased the remaining space in its building at 85 South Maple Ave. in Ridgewood four years ago, it had a vision to infuse its brand into an attractive, patient-friendly environment. This fall will see the full implementation of that plan, designed by Poskanzer Skott Architects (PSA), with the practice’s expansion to occupy the entire, 11,700-square-foot property.

A full service orthopedic medical practice that has been serving patients locally for more than 35 years, Ridgewood Orthopedics has grown into its building in stages. The practice initially allocated the first floor for its physical therapy services while temporarily sharing the second floor with medical providers already located there.

“Since then we have added more physicians to our team and anticipate additional near-term growth,” noted Practice Administrator Teresa Leidner. “As precursors to this final phase of expansion, we already had worked with Poskanzer Skott to complete two smaller renovations. Now we are eager to get started on this final chapter.”

Ridgewood Orthopedics offers patients of all ages access to technologically advanced medical care for conditions that involve sports medicine, back and neck ailments, arthritis and bone fractures. According to Leidner, providing impeccable customer service is a core focus, and every aspect of the planned renovation reflects that.

The redesigned second floor will be anchored by an updated entry lobby and a striking new patient waiting area, which will feature three glass walls and distinct check-in and check-out areas for enhanced efficiency and privacy. Finishes in blues and whites, punctuated by furniture in supplemental colors and textures, will be carried throughout the space.

“We also are adding more exam rooms and specialty rooms for imaging and casting,” Leidner said. “The overall result will enable us to see more patients each day, and enhance our services in a peaceful, comfortable environment.” The PSA design also incorporates enhanced workspaces for Ridgewood Orthopedics’ 40-member clinical and administrative team, a private office suite for its doctors, a new business office and a call center.

The project has been carefully choreographed to enable uninterrupted patient care during the construction. “Staging is always an important consideration in healthcare design,” said Barry Poskanzer, AIA. “Projects typically involve the challenge of shifting work from one occupied area to another. In this case, we can renovate the vacant portion of the second floor before breaking through to the existing operation. Ridgewood Orthopedics will be able to serve patients in the expansion while updating and modernizing the existing section.”

Creating space for medical providers also requires the ability to respond to a practice’s culture and character, according to Poskanzer. “It is imperative that the architect and client be in sync in order to create an environment that enhances their approach to providing care,” he said. “In the case of Ridgewood Orthopedics, the doctors and staff are specialists who value comfort and close relationships among patients, clinicians and practice management. The new office will foster this positive interaction while reinforcing their identity as one of the region’s top orthopedic practices.”

Also based in Ridgewood, PSA has deep roots in the northern New Jersey healthcare community, having designed projects for Hackensack University Medical Center, Valley Health System, Bergen Regional Medical Center and many private medical practices. The established, award-winning firm has broad experience in the entire design and planning process from concept to completion. PSA’s work on behalf of public, private and non-profit clients also spans the multifamily, office, industrial, retail and education sectors.