UPDATE: The ND State Legislature has approved $300 million for the North Dakota State Hospital facility replacement project.
Groundbreaking ceremony for the new North Dakota State Hospital
When: Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, 3 p.m. CT
Where: North Dakota State Hospital, 2605 Circle Drive, Jamestown; the new site is located on the east side of 12th Ave. SE, watch for event signage.
WHO: Gov. Armstrong, HHS Commissioner Pat Traynor, State Hospital Superintendent Aaron Olson, community leaders
The groundbreaking will be livestreamed on the governor’s Facebook page.
Putting the Pieces Together
The Future of Care at NDSH
At North Dakota State Hospital (NDSH), the essential pieces for the future of mental health care in North Dakota are being fitted together. The new facility is designed to connect all the key elements needed to provide comprehensive, compassionate care. Each piece of this project, from innovative treatment spaces to staff support, aligns to create a complete picture of healing and well-being.
A Foundation of Care
For over a century, NDSH has served as a cornerstone of mental health services, adapting as the field has evolved. However, as mental health care advances, so must the infrastructure. The current facility, while historically significant, no longer meets modern needs. The decision to build a new NDSH is driven by several critical factors.
The development of the new North Dakota State Hospital marks a transformative step forward in our commitment to providing exemplary mental health care. It represents a future where our patients receive the highest quality care in a modern, supportive environment, and where employees are equipped to deliver this care effectively.
The North Dakota State Hospital (NDSH) facility replacement project in Jamestown, ND, represents a collaborative effort among the North Dakota Legislature, NDSH Leadership, the North Dakota Department of Health & Human Services, the design team, the owner’s representative, and construction teams. This collective endeavor has focused on defining project goals, establishing the scope, identifying opportunities to enhance operational efficiencies, and ultimately crafting a comprehensive design solution aimed at delivering exceptional patient care.
Project Name: North Dakota State Hospital New Facility
Location: 12th Avenue SE, Jamestown, ND (directly across from current campus)
Square Footage: Approximately 300,000 square feet
Number of beds: 140
Estimated Cost: $300 million
Target Completion: End of 2027
Architects & Builders:
- Architecture+ – Design Consultants
- JLG Architects – Principal Architect
- Mortenson Construction – Construction Manager
- TEGRA Group – Owner's Representative
Why It Matters
The new State Hospital is a once-in-a-generation investment in the future of behavioral health. It will:
- A continued commitment to preserving the legacy and mission of the State Hospital, which has served North Dakotans since 1885
- Replace aging, institutional-era buildings with a modern, trauma-informed care environment
- Improve patient dignity, safety and recovery outcomes
- Support team members through better design, technology and working conditions
- Increase efficiency
- Expand capacity to meet the changing needs of North Dakota
Services the New Hospital Will Support
- Psychiatric Inpatient Care
- Forensic services including psychiatric evaluation and restoration
- Psychiatric rehabilitation
- Sex Offender Treatment and Evaluation Program (SOTEP)
Built for the Future
- The environment features ample natural light, private rooms for every patient to support safety, emotional well-being and create a calming atmosphere.
- Flexible, multi-purpose spaces accommodate a variety of treatment approaches, therapeutic groups, and wellness activities, supporting individualized care plans.
- The facility incorporates sustainable, energy-efficient systems that minimize environmental impact and contribute to a healthier overall setting.
A Collaborative Effort
This new state hospital is a collaborative effort between North Dakota's Governor's Office, Legislature, Health and Human Services, Office of Management and Budget, North Dakota State Hospital, JLG Architects, Architecture+, Tegra Group and Mortenson Construction with input from the Jamestown community, patients, state hospital team members, clinicians and behavioral health advocates.
Throughout the development process, NDSH leadership, staff, and community members have been actively involved in shaping the project's direction. They engaged with the design and decision-making teams to share their insights, articulate their goals, and contribute to a forward-thinking vision for the North Dakota State Hospital. This collaborative approach has been crucial in creating a unified and clear vision for the facility’s future.
The outcome of this comprehensive process is a state-of-the-art North Dakota State Hospital facility. The new hospital will feature 140 inpatient beds for adult, geriatric, forensic, admissions and SOTEP care.
This new facility is designed to enhance patient care, improve operational efficiencies, and support the future needs of the community.
NDSH will continue to deliver:
- Short-term acute inpatient psychiatric and substance abuse treatment.
- Intermediate psycho-social rehabilitation services.
- Forensic services and safety net services for adults.
Facilities will include:
- Arts Room
- Bank
- Barber
- Botanical Garden
- Boutique
- Chapel
- Computer Labs
- Exercise/Fitness Room
- Gobbler Cafeteria
- Group Therapy Space
- Gymnasium / Multi-purpose Space
- Library
- Music Room
- Physical and Occupational Therapy
- Rehab Apartment
- Sensory Room
- Teaching Kitchen
- Vocational Space
Combining existing services with new and improved facilities will position NDSH to achieve positive patient outcomes.
In addition to the inpatient living spaces, the facility will include a variety of therapeutic, clinical, and assessment spaces for patient care, as well as hospital administration & facility management spaces.
The new facility will utilize a modernized environment of care and is organized along a house-neighborhood-downtown model, featuring efficient circulation, and off-stage staff/service/material circulation for efficiency of delivering those services.
The new facility will be approximately 316,246 gross square feet and situated on a site west of the existing NDSH and James River Correctional Center (JRCC) campuses.
Combining the existing services with additional and improved facilities will position NDSH to work towards positive patient outcomes.
Key Drivers for Building a New State Hospital Facility
Aging Infrastructure
The original buildings total almost 650,000 sq ft, while historic, no longer meet the modern standards for safety, accessibility, and therapeutic environments. The need for a state-of-the-art facility that can support contemporary treatment modalities and patient care practices within one building (316,246 sq ft) has become very evident.
Increasing Demand
The demand for mental health services in North Dakota has grown significantly. Our new facility will both expand our capacity to serve more individuals and enhance our ability to integrate with the broader mental health care continuum. This integration is crucial for providing a seamless transition from hospital to community-based care.
Commitment to Excellence
The demand for mental health services in North Dakota has grown significantly. Our new facility will both expand our capacity to serve more individuals and enhance our ability to integrate with the broader mental health care continuum. This integration is crucial for providing a seamless transition from hospital to community-based care.Building a new facility represents our commitment to excellence in mental health care. It will allow us to implement cutting-edge practices and create an environment where both patients and staff can thrive.
What the New Facility Will Offer
Key Piece of the Future
Modern Care
The new facility is designed to snap into place all the elements required for contemporary mental health care. With updated patient rooms, advanced therapeutic spaces, and enhanced safety features, every aspect has been carefully connected to foster healing in a safe and welcoming environment.
Aligned Environment
Specialized Treatment Spaces
Dedicated areas for therapies such as occupational, physical, and psychiatric care are integral pieces in the design of the new facility. Each of these spaces is crafted to support specific treatment needs, ensuring a seamless flow of care tailored to each patient. This approach creates a unified experience, where all components of the treatment process interlock to form a comprehensive path to recovery.
Strong Framework
Safety and Sustainability
Safety and sustainability are critical components of the facility’s framework. The new design integrates advanced security measures and energy-efficient systems, ensuring that the facility meets the highest standards for care while supporting long-term environmental responsibility. Every decision has been thoughtfully made to align with both patient safety and sustainable practices.
Cornerstone of Care
Training and Support for Team NDSH
The staff is another crucial piece of the puzzle. With upgraded spaces for training, collaboration, and professional development, the new facility will provide the tools needed for staff to thrive. By investing in the team, NDSH ensures that the entire system works in harmony—where every role and individual fit together to create the best possible outcomes for patients.
Creating Pathways
Community Impact
The new NDSH facility will also connect to the broader community, strengthening mental health services across North Dakota. It will not only improve patient care but also bring economic benefits, creating jobs and fostering growth in the local economy. As all the pieces come together, the positive impact will be felt far beyond the hospital walls.
Looking Forward
Assembling the Future of Care
The new North Dakota State Hospital is not merely a physical building; it embodies a vision for the future of mental health care in the community. Just as each puzzle piece contributes to a complete picture, this facility represents a transformative approach to mental health—connecting every element of care from support services to treatment environments.
Piece by piece, the picture of a facility that prioritizes the well-being of patients, supports the growth of employees, and strengthens the health of communities is being completed. Together, a future is being built where everything fits—creating a cohesive system of care that supports every individual who walks through the doors.
As NDSH looks ahead, the focus remains on integrating innovative practices that align with patient needs and community resources. This new facility will serve as a central piece in the mental health landscape, creating pathways for collaboration, education, and healing.
By thoughtfully assembling these pieces, NDSH is dedicated to ensuring that the new facility will be a beacon of hope and healing, continuing a long tradition of care while setting a new standard for excellence in mental health services. Together, every piece will contribute to a cohesive system of care that supports every individual who walks through the doors, completing the puzzle of comprehensive mental health support in North Dakota.
Project Timeline
The completion of this facility will provide North Dakota with a premier institution dedicated to serving its most vulnerable mental health populations. Throughout each phase, NDSH has worked diligently to align the new hospital within the broader mental health care continuum, optimizing the state's investment in mental health services. Recommendations for advancing the project have been developed through work groups consisting of individuals with lived experience, community members, stakeholders, and system experts.
Legislators will be asked to consider these recommendations in the 69th Legislative Session, based on five key strategies designed to maximize the impact of the new facility and enhance mental health care in North Dakota.
The successful completion of these phases ensures that the new state hospital will be fully operational, well-integrated into the community, and equipped to deliver high-quality mental health care.
The early phases of predesign and schematic design were crucial in setting the stage for the new North Dakota State Hospital. By thoroughly assessing needs, evaluating site options, and developing preliminary designs with stakeholder input, these phases ensured the project meets contemporary mental health care standards while addressing the limitations of the existing facility. The successful completion of these phases laid the groundwork for a well-designed hospital that will serve the community for years to come.
Early Phases of Predesign and Schematic Design
The early project phases of predesign and schematic design have been pivotal in shaping the new North Dakota State Hospital project. These initial stages involved in-depth planning and strategic decision-making, laying a strong foundation for a facility that meets modern mental health care needs while addressing the limitations of the current infrastructure.
Phase I: Predesign Phase > COMPLETED August 2023 - December 2023
The predesign phase was focused on establishing the project's core elements, including scope, objectives, and requirements for the new hospital. This phase was crucial for setting clear goals and aligning stakeholders' expectations.
Needs Assessment: Comprehensive evaluations were carried out to assess current and future needs. This included analyzing patient demographics, treatment trends, and facility performance. Engaging stakeholders, such as healthcare professionals and staff, provided critical insights into the requirements for an effective mental health care facility.
Site Analysis: Various sites were assessed for their suitability based on accessibility, environmental impact, and integration with existing healthcare systems. This analysis ensured that the chosen location would support the hospital's operational needs and community integration.
Feasibility Studies: Financial and operational feasibility studies were conducted to determine the viability of the proposed project. These studies covered cost projections, funding sources, and operational efficiencies.
The predesign phase resulted in a well-defined project scope and clear objectives. It established a strong foundation for subsequent design phases by identifying key requirements and constraints. The comprehensive needs assessment and feasibility studies provided a solid framework for decision-making, ensuring alignment with practical and strategic goals.
Phase II: Schematic Design Phase > COMPLETED December 2023 - March 2024
The schematic design phase translated the objectives and requirements from the predesign phase into tangible design concepts. This phase was focused on developing preliminary architectural designs that reflected the hospital’s functional and aesthetic goals.
Concept Development: Architects and designers created initial design concepts based on the needs assessment and stakeholder input. These concepts included layout plans, spatial relationships, and preliminary architectural styles. The aim was to develop a design that would enhance patient care while being functional and efficient.
Stakeholder Review: Preliminary designs were reviewed and refined through stakeholder meetings. Feedback from healthcare providers, staff, and community representatives was incorporated to ensure that the design addressed practical needs and preferences.
Design Refinement: Based on feedback, the schematic design was refined to include detailed floor plans, building massing, and site layout. This stage involved iterating on design elements to balance aesthetic considerations with functional requirements.
Optimized Facility Layout: The design addressed essential functional requirements such as patient flow, staff workflows, and integration with therapeutic spaces. The layout was optimized to enhance operational efficiency and patient care.
Stakeholder Alignment: Continuous engagement with stakeholders ensured the design met the needs and expectations of all parties involved. This collaborative approach helped build consensus and support for the project.
Foundation for Detailed Design: The schematic design phase provided a clear blueprint for the detailed design phase. It established the architectural vision and layout, guiding the development of more detailed design documents.
Phase III: Design Development > COMPLETED April 2024 - August 2024
The Design Development phase refines and details the preliminary designs created in earlier phases to produce a comprehensive blueprint for the new state hospital. This phase transforms initial concepts into actionable plans, ensuring the facility will meet functional, aesthetic, and regulatory requirements.
Detailed Design Refinement:
- Architectural Design: Architects develop detailed drawings and specifications for the building’s layout, including floor plans, elevations, and sections. These designs incorporate feedback from the schematic design phase to address functional and aesthetic needs.
- Engineering Integration: Structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems are integrated into the architectural plans. Engineers work to ensure these systems are efficiently designed and appropriately sized.
- Interior Design: Detailed interior layouts are developed, including finishes, furnishings, and equipment placements. This includes creating functional spaces like patient rooms, treatment areas, administrative offices, and common areas.
- Landscape Design: Plans for landscaping, site amenities, and outdoor spaces are finalized, ensuring they complement the hospital’s design and enhance the patient and staff experience.
Regulatory Compliance:
- Code Adherence: The design is reviewed to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal building codes, health care regulations, and accessibility standards.
- Permit Applications: Necessary permits and approvals are obtained from relevant authorities.
Cost Estimation and Budgeting:
- Detailed Cost Estimates: A more refined cost estimate is developed based on the detailed design. This includes construction costs, materials, labor, and any additional expenses.
- Budget Reconciliation: The project budget is updated and reconciled to ensure it aligns with the available funding and financial projections.
Stakeholder Review:
- Design Reviews: The design is presented to stakeholders for feedback, including hospital staff, administrators, and community representatives. Revisions are made based on their input to ensure the design meets their needs and expectations.
Finalization of Design Documents:
- Design Development Documents: Finalized documents include comprehensive drawings, specifications, and materials lists that detail every aspect of the construction project.
- Approval and Sign-Off: The design development documents are reviewed and approved by stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and the project team.
Phase IV: Construction Documents > UNDERWAY
The Construction Documents phase produces detailed instructions and specifications for the construction of the new state hospital. These documents guide the contractor in building the facility according to the approved design.
Preparation of Construction Drawings:
- Detailed Blueprints: Architects and engineers prepare detailed construction drawings, including structural, MEP, and architectural plans, which specify every aspect of the building’s construction.
- Technical Specifications: Detailed descriptions of materials, methods, and standards for construction are outlined. This includes specifications for finishes, fixtures, and equipment.
Bid Documentation:
- Contractor Solicitation: Construction documents are used to solicit bids from contractors. The documents provide a clear scope of work and requirements for the bidding process.
- Bid Evaluation: Bids are reviewed and evaluated based on cost, experience, and compliance with the project requirements. A contractor is selected and awarded the contract.
Construction Administration:
- Contract Preparation: Construction contracts are prepared and finalized, outlining the terms, conditions, and responsibilities of both parties.
- Coordination Meetings: Regular meetings are held with the contractor and project team to discuss progress, address issues, and ensure adherence to the construction documents.
Permits and Approvals:
- Final Permits: Obtain final permits and approvals required for construction. This includes inspections and approvals from regulatory bodies.
Quality Assurance:
- Review and Quality Control: Implement quality control procedures to ensure construction meets the specifications and design standards outlined in the construction documents.
Phase V: Completion and Operational Readiness
The Completion and Operational Readiness phase ensures that the new state hospital is fully constructed, equipped, and operationally prepared to open and serve its intended purpose.
Construction Completion:
- Final Inspections: Conduct final inspections to verify that the construction work meets all design specifications, codes, and regulations.
- Punch List: Address any remaining issues or deficiencies identified during final inspections. A punch list is created to track and complete these tasks.
Testing and Commissioning:
- Systems Testing: Test all building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and safety systems, to ensure they function correctly.
- Commissioning: Commissioning involves the systematic process of verifying and documenting that the building systems and equipment operate as intended.
Staff Training:
- Operational Training: Train staff on the new facility’s systems, equipment, and procedures. This includes hands-on training and familiarization with new technology and processes.
- Emergency Procedures: Ensure staff are trained in emergency procedures, safety protocols, and evacuation plans.
Facility Readiness:
- Furnishing and Equipment Installation: Complete the installation of furnishings, medical equipment, and other essential items needed for hospital operations.
- Final Clean-Up: Conduct a thorough cleaning of the facility to ensure it is ready for occupancy.
Opening Preparations:
- Soft Opening: Conduct a soft opening or trial run to identify any final adjustments needed before the official opening.
- Grand Opening: Plan and execute the grand opening of the facility, including any public relations activities, ceremonial events, and stakeholder celebrations.
Post-Opening Support:
- Ongoing Support: Provide support and troubleshooting during the initial period of operation to address any issues and ensure a smooth transition to full operational status.