MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center
Behavioral Health Unit Expansion and Renovation
Mason City, Iowa
A two-story addition houses 34 beds for behavioral health inpatients and a renovation in an adjacent hospital area expands services. The program includes acute psychiatric care, separate adult and adolescent inpatient units, and partial hospitalization/intensive outpatient services. After the new units became operational, the center reported a 75% reduction in staff injuries.
The aesthetics are welcoming, calming, and designed to fit comfortably into the surrounding residential neighborhood. From the front door to assessment and treatment, all spaces are bright, open, and safe. The donor-funded Jan Again Center for Hope and Safety offers walk-in help and reduces the stigma surrounding mental health. Visitors can drop in for consultation, either with on-site staff or by using online resources available at a computer station.
BWBR served as the design architect in partnership with local firm of record RDG.
Size: 28,500 gross sq. ft. addition; 6,070 gross sq. ft. renovation
Components: Addition that houses 34 inpatient behavioral health beds, including adult, adolescent, and acute psychiatric care units; Jan Again Center for Hope and Safety walk-in help resources; group therapy room/classroom that doubles as a dining room; sensory rooms; outpatient meeting and research spaces
Completion: 2019
Rick Dahl (retired)
Don Thomas (retired)
Melanie Baumhover
Scott Holmes (retired)
Chris Fischer
Kevin Gamelin
Amy Kotchevar
Inga Oelschlager (retired)