About the Client/Project: The Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), County of San Diego, planned a new Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) in an existing building. This building was built by the County of San Diego. They wanted to develop the first floor parking lot. The existing concrete floor was to be demolished, and the area enclosed and developed into the new Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU).
Project Challenge: Because it’s a mental health crisis facility, the building needed to include safety and security features.
Architectural Solution: Platt/Whitelaw provided full tenant improvements for the 8,300 sf space which included two entrances. Patios and outdoor spaces were developed around the building which can be accessed from the facility. This building is a walk-in facility designed to house adults with mental health or behavioral issues for 24 hours. The site includes landscaped indoor and outdoor spaces designed to promote peace and calm.
Project was built under a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) contract with the County. PWA provided programming, design development, and construction documents through project closeout, LEED Gold certification and commissioning.
Final Result: Ribbon cutting was April 18, 2022. The facility started operations on April 25, 2022. The project is LEED Gold certified and was awarded APWA’s Project of the Year, 2022.
“The aesthetic of the new CSU offers a warm, welcoming environment. Our clients arrive in crisis and are greeted by a built environment purposefully designed to be therapeutic and promote healing through natural light, comfortable and relaxed seating, and connections to nature. The CSU upends expectations for the kind of space where mental health crisis care happens; it makes clear that we value the humanity of the people we serve.” – Dr. Luke Bergmann, Director, County of San Diego’s Behavioral Health Services
“We would like to congratulate you on a beautiful facility. The feedback we have received from Behavioral Health Services has been nothing short of astounding.” – David L. Dobson, Architect, GC, County of San Diego
Photography by Bill Robinson Photography
