Southwestern Mental Health Center

Worthington, MN | Healthcare

ISG worked with Southwestern Mental Health Center (SWMHC) to renovate an existing building for its newest facility.

After the lease expired for a previous facility, SWMHC wanted to renovate an existing building for its new location as a means to reduce demolition and other design and construction costs.

When the long-term lease for its Luverne location expired, the Southwestern Mental Health Center (SWMHC) decided to find a new home in an existing building to expand services, limit demolition costs, and improve visibility and accessibility. Throughout the design of conceptual sketches, ISG actively collaborated with SWMHC staff to produce purposeful designs that would meet the unique needs of the facility. During the later stages of the project, a preliminary architectural feasibility report was organized to facilitate SWMHC’s funding partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Division.

The new SWMHC building is nearly 10,000 sq. ft. and holds approximately 18 therapy rooms and offices, two large offices, a conference room, play room, and ancillary support spaces. The facility’s interior incorporates unique elements including a wayfinding feature that provides an intuitive path through the facility using materials, textures, and colors. Integrating color theory into the décor, each color was selected to inspire a specific mood such as painting blue for serenity and well-being, and yellow for joy and happiness. Programming areas are divided into separate occupant areas with corresponding administration, storage, and equipment space. The building exterior features a rich, earth-toned taupe color, flanked by a decorative rock base. Square windows are trimmed in bright white and bring a welcoming, residential feel to the building that is nestled within a quiet neighborhood.