Transforming Behavioral Healthcare: Breaking Ground on Western State's New Forensic Hospital
Western State’s New Forensic Hospital Undergoes Construction
Construction has officially begun on the new forensic hospital at Western State Hospital’s campus, a significant step towards enhancing behavioral health services. This state-of-the-art, 467,000-square-foot facility will house 350 inpatient beds and serve as a Forensic Center of Excellence. It will replace outdated hospital facilities that have served the community for over a century and align with modern mental health treatment standards.
An aerial view of the expansive facility. Rendering courtesy of HOK.
Designed with a focus on security and therapeutic environments, the new forensic hospital will provide essential psychiatric treatment for individuals entering the criminal justice system. This transformative project is not just a replacement; it’s a commitment to delivering high-quality care in a contemporary setting. As the engineer behind Western State Hospital’s campus master plan and the new forensic hospital predesign, AEI is proud to lead the project’s mechanical, electrical, plumbing, information technology, and sustainable engineering design. This expansive initiative encompasses 560,000 square feet of new construction, including a mass timber office building and comprehensive site improvements.
Commitment to Sustainability
The project aims for net-zero energy consumption and an all-electric design, eliminating on-site fossil fuels while promoting efficient water usage. To support these ambitious sustainability goals, AEI is delivering comprehensive energy modeling, Energy Life Cycle Cost Analysis, and LEED documentation services.
The facility features outdoor courtyards and lush green spaces, designed to enhance therapeutic activities and foster a natural connection. Rendering courtesy of HOK.
Key Design Features
- A thermal plant enhanced by an all-electric air source heat pump and a water-to-water heat recovery chiller system.
- High-efficiency airflow distribution that incorporates chilled beams and sensible fan-powered terminal units for optimal climate control.
- Rooftop solar arrays that harness renewable energy to power the facility.
- Integrated security systems designed to increase safety while promoting a healing environment.
“Today is a groundbreaking for this facility, but in a sense, it’s a groundbreaking for how we provide mental health services. It is part and parcel of our efforts to care for our family members, our community members, who run into mental health challenges — this is a very Washingtonian thing to do.”
This new facility will elevate the patient's experience and improve treatment outcomes, establishing a new benchmark for mental healthcare in Washington State. The groundbreaking of the Forensic Center of Excellence marks a pivotal moment in advancing the behavioral health system, ensuring better forensic patient care today and in the future.