Rising to the Challenge: Modernizing Vertical Transport at Charles George VA

Some projects demand a steady hand and sharp coordination from the start—and this one had both. Under the leadership of Bret Cavin, Spur’s Director of Vertical Transportation, our team brought focus, foresight, and grit to one of the most complex vertical modernization efforts in our federal portfolio to date.

Perched in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Charles George VA Medical Center has been serving veterans since 1918. It’s a place where legacy runs deep—and so does the infrastructure. Over time, layers of upgrades, additions, and retrofits have stacked up across the campus. Now, it’s time for a different kind of lift.

Twelve elevators across multiple buildings. A mix of traction and hydraulic systems. Equipment from different eras and manufacturers, dating as far back as the 1950s. It’s a complex modernization effort, and Spur has just wrapped design on a solution that’s as thoughtful as it is technical.

Our team provided full design services—architecture, mechanical, electrical, structural, fire suppression, and vertical transport—for a project that brings all elevator systems under one coordinated strategy. Working alongside Veteran Elevated Solutions, we’ve laid the groundwork for a multi-phase upgrade that improves efficiency, reduces maintenance challenges, and ultimately enhances daily life for veterans and staff alike.

Now, the work begins.

A Smarter Future for Building 47

In Building 47, the existing machine room told a familiar story: too many systems competing for space. Mechanical equipment, electrical panels, water treatment gear—all crowded in with elevator controls in a tight, overheated penthouse.

Our design carves out a dedicated, climate-controlled, fire-rated enclosure just for the elevator equipment. It’s a targeted intervention that protects what matters most without disturbing what still works. We kept critical pass-through utilities in place and leveraged the building’s tall vertical clearance to reduce costs and avoid unnecessary demolition.

It’s a smart solution, designed for longevity and ease of maintenance. And it sets the tone for the rest of the modernization effort.

Phased for Precision—and People

The Charles George VA is a 24/7 facility. There’s no shutting down operations to make room for construction. So our phasing strategy prioritized patient access, contractor efficiency, and daily continuity.

We designed a modular Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) barrier system that can shift as work progresses—keeping landings clear when they need to be, and workers safe when it’s their turn in the shaft. The approach supports simultaneous work across multiple buildings and reduces the total project duration, without compromising safety or accessibility.

Beneath the Surface, Built to Last

The design also tackles the details you won’t see: retrofitting elevator pits with new submersible pumps, rerouting sump discharge lines, and avoiding conflicts with structural footings and rebar. These are the kinds of decisions that demand precision—and when done well, they prevent issues for years to come.

Each elevator group has its own routing solution, tailored to the building’s structure and systems. It’s not the glamorous part of the job. But it’s the part that makes the whole thing work.

On Deck: Construction Begins

With design complete and coordination with Veteran Elevated Solutions well underway, construction is set to begin. The next phase will bring these plans to life—improving reliability, extending equipment life, and providing a better experience for every veteran and caregiver who moves through these halls.

At Spur, we lean into projects like this because we know what’s at stake. And when it comes to serving those who’ve served, we’re proud to rise to the occasion.

Want to learn more about how Spur tackles complex vertical transportation challenges?
Reach out to Bret Cavin and let’s talk about what’s possible.