Expanding Access to Behavioral Health Services
This three-story addition to the existing Southwood Psychiatric Inpatient Hospital adds 66,371 square feet of space and provides 108 new inpatient beds, significantly expanding the facility’s capacity to serve children and adolescents facing behavioral health challenges. In addition to residential and inpatient treatment services, the new space includes a wide variety of recreational amenities designed to support both physical and mental well-being—most notably a full track and basketball court, creating an environment that promotes movement, engagement, and healing.
Navigating Site Challenges
Located in Pittsburgh, PA, this project presented its fair share of site-specific challenges. During early site preparation and grading, our team discovered that the hospital’s primary power line—running from Boyce Plaza Road into the existing facility—was directly beneath the proposed building pad for the new addition. This unexpected obstacle threatened to delay the schedule by approximately six weeks, as relocation of the power line was a prerequisite for continuing with foundation work.
Instead of accepting this delay as inevitable, Warfel’s team proactively evaluated the construction schedule and identified a solution. By re-sequencing the work and creating an access road behind the future building, we were able to pour the slab-on-grade and slab-on-deck on the rear half of the building while steel erection progressed on the front half. This strategic adjustment allowed construction to move forward despite the utility conflict, mitigating the delay and keeping the project aligned with the overall timeline.
Leveraging Prior Experience for Long-Term Success
Drawing on our previous experience with Acadia Healthcare projects, our team brought deep knowledge of the owner’s standards—particularly in building envelope performance. Early in the project, we led a collaborative review of window flashing details with the design team and building envelope consultant. This proactive approach ensures a durable, high-performing building and reinforces our shared commitment to long-term value.
Building for a Better Future
Partnering with Acadia Healthcare on this important facility underscores our dedication to advancing access to behavioral health services that make a lasting difference in the communities we serve.
