Texas Health and Human Services Hospital Project Replaces 139-Year-Old Psychiatric Hospital

Construction firm Robins & Morton joined the Texas Health and Human Services Commission on Aug. 28 for the official groundbreaking of Terrell State Hospital’s replacement facility. The 415,500-square-foot, 250-bed project will replace a 139-year-old psychiatric hospital.

For nearly 140 years, Terrell State Hospital has played a crucial role in providing services to Texans in need. The hospital first opened in July 1885 after the 18th Texas Legislature passed a bill calling for the establishment of a psychiatric hospital in North Texas. Today, the hospital serves 31 counties.

The new facility will include therapeutic spaces that align with evidence-based treatment. Single-person rooms are designed to balance privacy and security for patients; natural light throughout the facility will help promote recovery and healing. Patients will have access to common activity areas and outdoor courtyards to encourage social interaction. The new facility will have 25 civil commitment, 50 maximum-security, 140 non-maximum-security and 35 adolescent beds.

The state allocated $573 million for the project, which is expected to be complete in late 2027. Robins & Morton is the general contractor for the project, while CannonDesign is the architect.