NORTHVILLE (WWJ) -- State and local officials gathered for an open house marking the completion of the new Southeast Michigan Psychiatric Hospital, a $383.4 million state investment aimed at expanding access to behavioral health care across Michigan.
The facility is scheduled to begin accepting patients this fall.
Over the past 30-years the state of Michigan has seen a massive disinvestment in mental health support services, having gone from 29 state hospitals in operation, down to only five today.
According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the new complex adds 54 beds to Michigan’s care system, increasing overall statewide capacity. The more than 400,000-square-foot hospital can treat up to 192 adults and 72 youth.
While serving patients of all ages, the building features distinct, separate living and programming areas for children and adults:
- Living Accommodations: 198 single-bed suites with private bathrooms, 33 double rooms, and a fully equipped studio apartment for adult independence training.
- Healing & Recreation Spaces: 12 secure outdoor courtyards, a gymnasium, art rooms, sensory spaces, and an interior design themed around native Michigan wildflowers.
- Safety & Staff Amenities: Modernized meeting spaces and breakrooms for staff, along with building access controls and video surveillance for patient security.
“Access to reliable, affordable behavioral health care is critical to the health and well-being of Michigan residents and communities,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “The new Southeast Michigan Psychiatric Hospital increases patient care capacity and creates an additional 150 professional health care jobs. It will offer a healing environment where patients can receive treatment with dignity and hope.”
To reduce long-term operating costs, the complex uses shared administrative and food service areas alongside an energy-efficient geothermal HVAC system.
Powered by 352 geothermal wells, the system is expected to lower heating and cooling expenses by roughly 40%—saving the state an estimated $168,000 annually.
“We are excited to be able to provide this new state-of-the-art hospital in southeastern Michigan for families in need of inpatient, behavioral health care,” said Amy Epkey, acting director of the MDHHS. “This modern facility will expand access to quality, compassionate care for more children and adults in need of this level of care.”
The new hospital, on Haggerty Rd. in Northville Twp., replaces two older facilities:
- Hawthorn Center (opened in 1965), which was demolished to make room for the new complex.
- Walter Reuther Psychiatric Hospital (opened in 1979), which will close once patients are relocated to the new facility.
Overall, the project was overseen by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB), built by the Christman Company, and designed by Integrated Design Solutions LLC.
