South Beach Psychiatric Center Residential Building

Providing patients with a normative living environment is at the heart of the modern and resilient residential building at the New York State Office of Mental Health’s (OMH) South Beach Psychiatric Center in Staten Island, NY. After the 288-acre campus was battered by Superstorm Sandy in 2012, the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) and OMH sought to safeguard the building against wind and flood damage, while continuing to provide modern patient care.

STV provided architectural and engineering services for the five-story, 221,000-square-foot building that replaced five existing cottages. STV’s design integrated South Beach’s patient-centered care approach that emphasizes the holistic well-being of all patients. Large, floor-to-ceiling glazing and high ceilings provide views of the adjacent state park and allow abundant natural light into the treatment areas, lobbies and public corridors. The design team incorporated interior design features such as a “Main Street” concept, providing patients with access to a spirituality room, a life skills room and classrooms.

Designed to be LEED® Silver certified, the new residence is also flood and storm-resistant. Located within a marshland rated as FEMA’s highest risk flood zone, the recreation yards and grounds are raised to a height above the 500-year floodplain. The project received several awards including the Excellence in Partnering Award from the Associated General Contractors of New York State.