UHS Central Florida Behavioral Hospital Expansion

Overview

Universal Health Services (UHS), the largest facility-based behavioral health provider in the country, expanded its Central Florida Behavioral Hospital to increase access to mental health services in Central Florida. The facility provides both inpatient and outpatient services for children and adults.

The two-story expansion consisted of adding 48 beds for adult psychiatric patients, increasing the bed count to 174. In addition to patient beds, new parking spaces, patient activity spaces, and green spaces were added to the seven-acre property. The kitchen in the existing facility was renovated and the below-grade sanitary lines were repaired. The project also involved replacing the 180-ton air-cooled chiller with a new 300-ton air-cooled chiller to accommodate the addition.

Technology needs were met through the design of a robust Wi-Fi network, CCTV security system, and an access control system. The structural system comprises structural steel framing and reinforced concrete.

This project was completed under an Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) method, a collaborative project delivery approach that encourages and rewards participation from all project participants, including the owner, architect, contractor, and subconsultants. The active involvement of the project team members resulted in faster, informed decision-making that led to the project being completed on time and within budget.