Our client, Universal Health Services, formed a strategic joint venture with MercyOne to develop the first freestanding acute inpatient psychiatric hospital in Iowa. JJCA was proud to be a part of this trailblazing effort. The site chosen for the 108-bed facility was in Clive, a suburb of Des Moines.

Among the challenges of building while going through the pandemic, was a tight site requiring a 3-story patient unit tower while keeping outdoor activity yards, dining room, gymnasium, and outpatient programs all on the ground floor. The building is in a business park and integrates into the active and vibrant neighborhood. The building design reflects the other buildings in the park and provides a welcoming, non-institutional feel for Clive’s residents seeking mental healthcare.