Jamestown, N.D. — Mortenson has officially broken ground on the new North Dakota State Hospital in Jamestown, a $300 million project designed to replace the existing facility that has served the state since 1885.

The ceremony, held on Aug. 18, was attended by state leaders, health officials, and community members. The new hospital, covering 300,000 square feet, will provide 140 beds in a trauma-informed environment designed to meet modern standards of psychiatric care.

“This project reflects our commitment to providing compassionate, safe, and high-quality care for North Dakotans who rely on these essential services,” said Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s office in a statement.

The project was developed in collaboration with JLG Architects of Minneapolis as the lead architect and Architecture+ of Troy, New York, serving as design consultants. Tegra Group of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, is acting as the owner’s representative. Officials expect the facility to be completed by the end of 2027.

Beyond core patient care services, the hospital will feature specialized therapeutic areas, advanced security systems, and expanded capacity to address the state’s evolving mental health needs. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, the design incorporates sustainable, energy-efficient systems to reduce environmental impact while enhancing the healing environment.

Unique amenities planned for the new campus include a barber shop, exercise room, teaching kitchen, vocational training spaces, and a botanical garden — all intended to contribute to patient rehabilitation and well-being.

The new hospital will provide psychiatric inpatient care, forensic services, and psychiatric rehabilitation, ensuring comprehensive support for patients across the state.

“This facility is not just about replacing an aging building. It’s about building a stronger future for mental health care in North Dakota,” said officials from the Department of Health and Human Services.

The North Dakota State Hospital redevelopment was included in Gov. Armstrong’s 2025-2027 budget recommendation and secured legislative approval on May 3, according to the North Dakota Monitor.

Meanwhile, the project reflects a broader surge in construction across the state. According to industry reports, North Dakota ranks second in the U.S. for per capita construction spending, despite experiencing only a 3% population growth over the past five years. This signals significant investment in infrastructure and public services that extend beyond population demands.

By the end of 2027, Jamestown will not only host a state-of-the-art hospital but also a new cornerstone in North Dakota’s mental health system — a facility balancing advanced care, community connection, and sustainable design.

Originally reported by Matthew Thibault in Construction Dive.