Balfour Beatty has reached a major milestone in the construction of South Carolina’s new psychiatric residential treatment facility for justice-involved youth in Columbia. The company recently celebrated the topping out of the 24,000-square-foot facility, a project spearheaded by the South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities’ Office of Mental Health (OMH) with Construction Manager Agent Services from LCK.
The topping out ceremony marked the placement of the building’s uppermost steel beam, signifying the substantial completion of the one-story facility’s structural framework. Once finished, the center will offer vital mental health and rehabilitation services for youth in the custody of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) who require intensive psychiatric care.
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Balfour Beatty began construction roughly ten months ago on the 24-bed, secure yet therapeutic facility. Designed to promote healing and rehabilitation, the building will include high-tech treatment spaces, educational classrooms, and secure residential areas. Its design also features advanced security measures integrated into a supportive environment that encourages recovery and personal growth.
“This milestone represents significant progress in delivering this essential facility for the state,” said David Stanton, Balfour Beatty Vice President in the Carolinas. “Leveraging our company’s extensive experience in healthcare construction throughout the Carolinas, we look forward to delivering on the unique requirements of this specialised treatment facility. We are proud to collaborate with the South Carolina Office of Mental Health, Department of Juvenile Justice and Recovery Solutions on this important project that will provide much-needed comprehensive care and rehabilitation services for young people in our community."
Serving as general contractor, Balfour Beatty is involved through all phases of the project — from design and construction to ongoing maintenance support. The firm is working closely with OMH, DJJ, Recovery Solutions (the operator), and design teams to meet the specialized requirements of healthcare facilities tailored to youth populations.
Dr. Robert Bank, Interim Director of the Office of Mental Health, underscored the importance of the project, saying: "The topping out of this facility marks an important step toward fulfilling our mission to provide appropriate care for youth committed to DJJ who have serious psychiatric disorders. This facility represents our commitment to rehabilitation and supporting successful reintegration of youth into their communities. We appreciate Balfour Beatty's expertise in bringing this vision to life."
Now that the structural and framing work is complete, interior buildout has begun. This next phase includes construction of specialized treatment areas, educational spaces, and support facilities critical to the center’s overall mission. The project is on track for completion by late 2025.
Once operational, the center will be run by Recovery Solutions, delivering critical mental health services to youth across South Carolina. The facility will represent a significant addition to the state’s healthcare and juvenile justice systems by bridging gaps in treatment for young people with complex psychiatric needs.
Originally reported by Balfour Beatty.