RRH Celebrates ACEC Award for Engineering Excellence

Rochester, NY — Rochester Regional Health (RRH) is proud to announce that the Regional Care Pavilion at Canton-Potsdam Hospital has received the Silver Award for Engineering Excellence from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Massachusetts (ACEC/MA). The award was presented to Fitzemeyer & Tocci Associates, Inc. (F&T) for their innovative mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection engineering work on the project, which exemplifies excellence in design, sustainability, and healthcare infrastructure.

Completed in October 2024, the Regional Care Pavilion represents a major step forward in advancing healthcare access in New York’s North Country. The four-story, 125,000-square-foot addition expands four critical areas of Canton-Potsdam Hospital: the Emergency Department, main lobby, registration and inpatient rooms.

The project was a collaborative effort, with architectural design by LaBella Associates and construction by Pike Construction Services. F&T's engineering contributions were crucial in meeting the challenges of a complex healthcare environment. Behind the walls and above the ceilings, they designed smart systems that keep the building running smoothly, comfortably, and efficiently. This includes a high-tech mechanical room on the roof with powerful air systems to keep the environment safe and clean, along with a flexible heating and cooling setup that can grow with the hospital. Additionally, the facility features energy-efficient domestic hot water systems and patient rooms that are equipped with negative pressure capability to enhance infection control; improving both energy efficiency and patient comfort.

“At Canton-Potsdam Hospital, our commitment to excellence extends far beyond patient care—it’s reflected in every corner of this building” said Donna McGregor, President of Rochester Regional Health’s St. Lawrence Region. “We approached the Regional Care Pavilion not just as a construction project, but as an opportunity to build a space that truly supports healing, innovation, and the future of rural healthcare. This award affirms that vision, and we’re incredibly proud to see it recognized.”

RRH’s Regional Care Pavilion at Canton-Potsdam Hospital not only strengthens healthcare delivery today—it lays the foundation for tomorrow. Through smart engineering and collaborative design, the facility is better equipped to serve the evolving needs of the North Country population with modern, patient-centered care. This project exemplifies what’s possible when mission-driven healthcare and forward-thinking engineering come together and stands as a national model for rural healthcare innovation.

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About Rochester Regional Health

Rochester Regional Health is an integrated health services organization serving the people of Western New York, the Finger Lakes, St. Lawrence County, and beyond. The system includes nine hospitals; primary and specialty practices, rehabilitation centers, ambulatory campuses and urgent care facilities; innovative senior services, facilities and independent housing; a wide range of behavioral health services; and Rochester Regional Health Laboratories and ACM Global Laboratories, a global leader in patient and clinical trials. Rochester Regional Health is the Rochester region's second-largest employer.