On Oct. 17, HOK joined Governor Jay Inslee, Secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Jilma Meneses and other project leaders to break ground on the Western State Hospital New Forensic Hospital in Lakewood, Washington.
This milestone marks a significant step in Washington’s efforts to modernize its behavioral health system and improve care for forensic patients.
The 467,000-square-foot, 350-bed facility will provide skilled psychiatric treatment in a secure, therapeutic setting for individuals entering through the criminal justice system. The State of Washington has challenged HOK to design a facility that enhances the patient experience, improves treatment outcomes and sets new standards for mental healthcare.
Gov. Inslee (above) emphasized the project’s importance: “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.”
Loren Supp, AIA, senior project designer for HOK, explained the project’s innovative approach: “The design supports holistic healing and rehabilitation of forensic behavioral health patients, challenging more institutional models. The new hospital highlights the need for progressive services, programs and designs to optimize long-term outcomes for vulnerable populations.”
Key features of HOK’s design include:
- Evidence-based design creating a therapeutic environment that prioritizes transparency and biophilia while balancing safety, security and operations.
- Abundant natural light and views to nature, supporting circadian rhythms and reducing patient stress.
- Flexible treatment spaces that can adapt to evolving therapeutic practices.
- Outdoor courtyards and green spaces for therapeutic activities and connection to nature.
- Sustainable strategies including rooftop solar arrays and energy-efficient features, aiming toward net-zero energy use and LEED Gold certification.
- State-of-the-art security systems integrated seamlessly into the healing environment.
This new facility is an important component of Washington’s comprehensive plan to improve its behavioral health system. It will enable the state to provide more appropriate care for forensic patients while freeing up civil commitment beds at existing facilities.
“We are honored to be part of this important project that will enhance mental health in Washington,” said Todd Buchanan, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, HOK’s senior regional practice leader in Seattle. “This facility will set a new standard for forensic psychiatric hospitals, balancing clinical excellence with a supportive, dignified environment for patients and staff.”
The project team includes HOK and architecture+ serving as the architects, Clark Construction as the general contractor, KPFF as the structural and civil engineer, and Affiliated Engineers, Inc. (AEI) as the mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineer. The Western State Hospital New Forensic Hospital is scheduled for completion in 2028, marking a new era in behavioral healthcare for the state of Washington.
Find out more about the design of the Western State Forensic Hospital in the HOK 2024 Design Annual.
