[April 28, 2015; Philadelphia, PA] – Clients and pets alike can enjoy the newly renovated lobby at Penn Vet’s Ryan Hospital. Andrew and Mindy Heyer generously funded the $1.5 million, six-month renovation project. New features include:

• Recycled rubber floors
• New chairs and bench seating
• Automatic doors
• Recessed LED lighting
• A coffee bar 
• Improved flow-of-traffic
• A serene, earth-tone color scheme
• A concierge to answer client questions
• TV monitors
• Architectural features and an animated art installation
• An illuminated sign at the entrance that can be seen from the street 

Before and after photos are available here.

The Heyers have a long history of engagement with Penn Vet and the University of Pennsylvania – beginning as undergraduates, continuing though graduate school, and translating into involved alumni, holding many volunteer leadership roles. Mindy is a passionate and articulate leader, serving as Chair of Penn Vet’s Board of Overseers, and Andy serves on Penn’s Board of Trustees and on the Penn Medicine Board.

“Mindy and Andy Heyer are exemplary Penn citizens,” said Penn President Amy Gutmann. “They are passionate about the University, and their generous philanthropy has made a profound impact on so many areas at Penn. The Heyer Lobby creates an entry to Ryan Hospital that is commensurate with the level of care provided to animals and the commitment to innovative treatment that is exemplified every day. The space is warm and inviting in a way that is truly representative of the Heyer Family and the talented doctors, faculty, and students that make up the Penn Family.”

“Andy and I are incredibly passionate about Penn and Penn Vet, and knew this could be a transformative project for the hospital,” said Mindy Heyer. “As Ryan Hospital clients, we have experienced firsthand the high level of compassionate care that Penn Vet provides. We were excited to have the opportunity to make the lobby reflective of that level of excellence.”

“We are so grateful for Andy and Mindy’s most generous support of this important project,” said Joan C. Hendricks, VMD, PhD, the Gilbert S. Kahn Dean of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. “First-class care calls for a first-class facility. When our clients come to Ryan Hospital, it’s often a stressful time for them and their pets. The new lobby offers a calming, comfortable environment and features significant improvements to benefit both our clients and patients.”   

[PLEASE NOTE: A complete list of the lobby project team follows.]

About Penn Vet

Penn Vet is a global leader in veterinary medicine education, research, and clinical care. Founded in 1884, Penn Vet is the only veterinary school developed in association with a medical school. The school is a proud member of the One Health Initiative, linking human, animal, and environmental health.

Penn Vet serves a diverse population of animals at its two campuses, which include extensive diagnostic and research laboratories. Ryan Hospital in Philadelphia provides care for dogs, cats, and other domestic/companion animals, handling more than 31,000 patient visits a year. New Bolton Center, Penn Vet’s large-animal hospital on nearly 700 acres in rural Kennett Square, PA, cares for horses and livestock/farm animals. The hospital handles more than 4,000 patient visits a year, while the Field Service treats nearly 36,000 patients at local farms. In addition, New Bolton Center’s campus includes a swine center, working dairy, and poultry unit that provide valuable research for the agriculture industry.

Andrew R. and Mindy H. Heyer Lobby Project Team

Architect: Cecil Baker + Partners

MEP/FP Consultant: AHA Consulting Engineers

Structural Engineering Consultant: Conn Shaffer Consulting Engineers

Civil Engineering Consultant: Stantec

Lighting Design Consultant: BEAM

Cost Estimate Consultant: Becker & Frondorf  

Landscape Architect Consultant: Studio Bryan Hanes

General Contractor: Canuso Jorden, Inc.

Digital Signage Displays/CATV Equipment: Cenero

Motion Graphic Artist: Matt Burge

Donor Wall Design/Fabrication: Brook Recognition

Furniture: Advanced Office Environments

Access Control Systems and Safety Features: Penn Public Safety, Tyco

Construction Security: AlliedBarton

Hazardous Materials Analysis: Penn’s Office of Environmental Health & Radiation Safety

Abatement Services: K&K Environmental Services

New Site Design (for relocated sculpture): LRSLAstudio

Sculpture Relocation Services: Atelier Art Services, Inc.

Project Management Services: Penn Facilities & Real Estate Services

Design Services: Penn’s Office of the University Architect, University Landscape Architect, University Graphic Designer

Miscellaneous: Penn’s Office of the Curator, University Hospitality Services

Penn Vet Project Manager: Penn Vet Facilities Planning, Design & Construction