Southwood Psychiatric Inpatient Hospital Expansion
This three-story addition to the existing Southwood Psychiatric Inpatient Hospital for Acadia Healthcare adds 66,371 square feet of space. It also provides 108 new inpatient beds. This significantly expands 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. These amenities are designed to support both physical and mental well-being. Most notably, the addition includes a full track and basketball court, creating an environment that promotes movement, engagement, and healing.
Navigating Southwood Psychiatric Inpatient Hospital 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 an unexpected utility conflict. The hospital’s primary power line ran from Boyce Plaza Road into the existing facility. It was located directly beneath the proposed building pad for the new addition. This unexpected obstacle threatened to delay the schedule by approximately six weeks. 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, the team created an access road behind the future building. This allowed us to pour the slab-on-grade and slab-on-deck on the rear half of the building. At the same time, steel erection progressed on the front half. This strategic adjustment allowed construction to move forward despite the utility conflict. It also mitigated the delay and kept 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. This was particularly important in building envelope performance. Early in the project, we led a collaborative review of window flashing details. This review included the design team and building envelope consultant. This proactive approach ensures a durable, high-performing building. It also 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. These services make a lasting difference in the communities we serve.
