STV provided architectural and engineering design services for the Adult Behavioral Health Center, the first new adult inpatient facility designed and constructed for the NY State Office of Mental Health in the past 20 years. The $150 million structure reflects a philosophical shift toward the treatment of mental health with the objective of allowing patients to return to their families and communities sooner.

The facility defies the traditional look and feel of a mental health hospital by incorporating natural light throughout the airy, open settings with a variety of high-quality wood and metal finishes. A unique “treatment mall” concept promotes independence and socialization while maintaining a safe environment.  Located on former wetlands, the 179,000-square-foot, 156-bed facility required a deep foundation system and introduced a buckling restrained braced frame (BRBF) system to support the five-story steel structure. The BRBF system reduced structural steel costs and increased interior program space. It was the first time this system was used in New York.