Minnesota Security Hospital Expansion and Renovation

Minnesota Department of Human Services

The St. Peter Treatment Center is home to the Minnesota Security Hospital (MSH), a Department of Human Services facility for forensic patients designated as mentally ill and dangerous. But after years of working around blind spots, corners, split-levels, and overall outdated facilities, MSH found that the existing layout was not conducive to good care, or patient and staff safety.

BWBR provided planning and design services from predesign through construction of a two-phased campus expansion and renovation for this facility for forensic services. The plan promotes separation of patient populations, while improving safety, security, and efficiency for patients, staff, and visitors. Both implemented phases are designed to Minnesota B3 Guidelines, a LEED-like program adapted for the State of Minnesota.

Phase 1 added new highly secure facilities to the existing building, including acute care housing, a crisis care unit, and an evaluation unit. A new non-secure transition housing building and Campus Center provide all the required living and support spaces for persons transitioning to community placement.

Phase 2 replaced the split-level east side living units with new single-level acute housing additions. Pre-transition units on the west side of campus received focused renovations and upgrades to improve safety, security, and comfort, including staff spaces. Shared facilities for vocation, wood shop, library, gym, craft space, and visitation received safety and aesthetic upgrades. Four years after moving into the new facilities, MSH recorded an over 50% reduction in aggressive behavior cases in their most challenging population.