Providing patients with a safe, supportive and modern living environment is central to the new residential building at the New York State Office of Mental Health’s (OMH) South Beach Psychiatric Center in Staten Island, New York. Following the devastation of Superstorm Sandy in 2012, the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) and OMH sought a resilient, patient-centered facility that enhances care while mitigating future storm impacts. The resulting five-story, 221,000‑square‑foot building replaces five outdated cottages and embodies OMH’s holistic approach to behavioral health care.
What challenges did STV address?
The campus’s marshland setting – rated FEMA’s highest-risk flood zone – posed both environmental and infrastructure challenges. The new facility required a design that could endure extreme coastal weather, protect behavioral health services from disruption and provide a normative residential environment that supports healing and daily living skills.
What solutions did STV deliver?
STV delivered comprehensive architectural and engineering services, integrating South Beach’s patient-centered philosophy into every aspect of the facility. Expansive glazing and high ceilings fill treatment spaces, lobbies and corridors with natural light and views of the adjacent state park. Interior design elements, including a “Main Street” concept featuring a spirituality room, life skills room and classrooms, create a community-like experience. To ensure long-term resilience, STV elevated recreation yards and grounds above the 500‑year floodplain and designed the building to achieve LEED® Silver certification.
How does this project benefit the region?
The new residential building strengthens behavioral health services for Staten Island and the greater New York region by providing a safe, uplifting, and modern environment for patients. Its resilient design helps safeguard critical care from future storms, while its therapeutic architecture promotes well-being, independence, and community connection.
Key Stats and Accolades
- 221,000 sf, five‑story residential building
- 262 behavioral health beds
- LEED® Silver–designed
- Recreation areas raised above the 500‑year floodplain
- Recipient of the Excellence in Partnering Award from the Associated General Contractors of New York State and an AIA New York design award
