This project is a 54-bed inpatient behavioral health hospital with outpatient services specializing in treating adult and adolescent patients with eating disorders in the populous, suburban Dallas area. The scope included finishing out 73,720 s.f. with an additional 25,000 square feet of shell space for future finish out, which would increase the number of beds to 72.

Formerly a three-story office building, the Eating Recovery Center (ERC) will occupy the entire third floor as well as parts of the first and second. The design team’s intent was to place primary focus on patient security and safety from self-harm by ligature, resistant hardware, or other accessories. Aesthetically, the goal was to have a residential feel that balances durability and cleanability with comfort. Regional flavor in the materials and artwork help to exemplify this.

Patients will access the hospital at a covered vehicular drop off on the first floor.  The main lobby leads to the ERC waiting room where all patients, families, and guests are greeted at the reception desk. The first floor provides outpatient services as well as building services, kitchen and inpatient admissions.

The second-floor area houses 18 inpatient child and adolescent beds; future expansion will bring the bed count to 36 on this level. The third floor is fully occupied with 36 inpatient adult beds. Different palates were used in design to differentiate between age groups. In addition, there are six-bed intensive treatment units on each inpatient floor for high acuity patients. These have a dedicated community room, dining area, pantry, and nurse station.