Considerations When Leasing Commercial Property For Use as an Imaging Center

Leasing office space for an imaging center—especially one with MRI and CT scan machines—comes with specialized considerations beyond a typical medical office or office lease. Here are the most important things to be aware of:

Building Infrastructure Requirements

1. Floor Load Capacity:
   • MRI and CT machines are heavy—MRIs can weigh 10,000+ lbs.
   • Make sure the floor (especially in multi-story buildings) can handle the load. You may need structural reinforcement.
2. Ceiling Height:
   • Equipment installation and operation may require a minimum ceiling height, often 9–10 feet or more.
3. Power Supply:
   • MRI and CT require high electrical loads—usually 480V 3-phase power with dedicated circuits.
   • Ensure the building’s power infrastructure supports your needs and there’s room for upgrades if necessary.
4. HVAC & Cooling:
   • MRI/CT equipment generates substantial heat and needs dedicated cooling.
   • You may need a separate HVAC system, chillers, or water-cooling loops.
5. Shielding Requirements:
   • MRI requires RF shielding and magnetic shielding to prevent signal interference and protect nearby tenants.
   • CT scanners involve radiation shielding (e.g., lead-lined walls), subject to state health department regulations.

Pro Tip: Choose Ground Floor or Freestanding if Possible

• Ground floor spaces simplify equipment delivery and structural issues.
• Freestanding buildings offer more flexibility for shielding, HVAC systems, and patient flow.

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Lease Terms & Landlord Considerations

1. Tenant Improvements (TI):
   • These build-outs can be expensive. Negotiate a TI allowance from the landlord or reduced rent during construction.
   • Consider negotiating longer lease terms (7–10 years) to offset buildout costs.
2. Use Clause & Exclusivity:
   • Make sure the lease specifically allows diagnostic imaging, and ideally includes exclusivity so a competing imaging center doesn’t lease nearby.
3. After-Hours Access:
   • If you plan to run nights/weekends, verify 24/7 access, including building systems (elevators, HVAC, security).
4. Noise/Vibration:
   • MRI machines can generate noise. Consider vibration isolation and soundproofing if other tenants are nearby.

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Regulatory & Zoning Compliance

1. Medical Use Zoning:
   • Verify that the building is zoned and permitted for medical use, especially imaging facilities.
2. Health Department Approvals:
   • Your plans may require plan review and inspection by state health or radiation control departments.
3. Fire/Life Safety:
   • Confirm fire codes and emergency egress meet local standards after shielding and modifications.

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Location

Look at competitors nearby—how many scanners are in operation, wait times, etc.

Proximity to Referring Providers:

You want to be close to doctors who regularly order imaging—orthopedic clinics, primary care, pain management, neurology, etc.

Being near medical office buildings, hospitals, or health campuses can drive steady referrals.

Visibility & Signage:

Easy-to-see signage from a busy road boosts awareness and walk-ins (especially for outpatient CT/X-ray).

A well-branded space builds trust and credibility with patients.

Demographics & Demand:

Choose an area with high population density, aging population, or unmet demand for imaging services.

Accessibility

1. Parking:
   • Patients often arrive with family or caregivers. Provide ample, free, and convenient parking—preferably right in front of the entrance.
   • Reserved handicap-accessible spots are essential.
2. ADA Compliance:
   • Make sure your entry, hallways, bathrooms, and exam rooms are fully ADA compliant for patients with mobility challenges.
3. Ground Floor or Elevator Access:
   • Ground floor is ideal for equipment delivery and patient access.
   • If upstairs, verify the elevator is hospital-grade (wide enough for wheelchairs/stretchers) and accessible 24/7.
4. Public Transportation:
   • If you’re in an urban area, being near a bus or train stop can help attract patients without vehicles.
5. Drop-Off Zone:
   • A covered or curbside drop-off area is a big plus for elderly or disabled patients

Convenience & Hours

1. Extended Hours:
   • Early morning, evening, or weekend hours can set you apart, especially for MRI/CT services with long daytime waits elsewhere.
2. Fast Access for Urgent Imaging:
   • If you’re near urgent care or ER alternatives, being able to offer same-day or next-day imaging is a huge competitive advantage.