Construction Begins on New Western State Forensic Hospital in Washington

A groundbreaking ceremony recently marked the beginning of construction on the new forensic hospital on Western State Hospital’s campus in Lakewood, Washington.

The 467,000-square-foot, 350-bed facility will provide skilled psychiatric treatment in a secure, therapeutic setting for individuals entering through the criminal justice system. The hospital is scheduled for completion between 2027 and 2029. The project team includes HOK and architecture+ serving as the architects, Clark Construction as the general contractor, KPFF as the structural and civil engineer and Affiliated Engineers as the mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineer.

The state of Washington challenged HOK to design a facility that enhances the patient experience, improves treatment outcomes and sets new standards for mental healthcare. Key design features include:

• Evidence-Based Design creating a therapeutic environment that prioritizes transparency and biophilia while balancing safety, security and operations
• Abundant natural light and views to nature, supporting circadian rhythms and reducing patient stress
• Flexible treatment spaces that can adapt to evolving therapeutic practices
• Outdoor courtyards and green spaces for therapeutic activities and connection to nature
• Sustainable strategies including rooftop solar arrays and energy-efficient features, aiming toward net-zero energy use and LEED Gold certification
• State-of-the-art security systems integrated seamlessly into the healing environment