DTMB partners with MDHHS to complete Caro Psychiatric Hospital

On June 5, Gov. Whitmer, Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) Director Elizabeth Hertel, and Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB) Director Michelle Lange attended an open house celebrating the completion of the new Caro Psychiatric Hospital. The 100-bed, state-of-the-art psychiatric facility will continue to provide mental health care and resources for Michiganders.  
 
DTMB’s State Facilities Administration (SFA) team managed the facility design and construction contracts for the Caro Psychiatric Hospital to ensure the project was completed on time and on budget. Granger Construction served as the construction manager for the project, while architecture and engineering services were provided by Integrated Design Solutions. The facility’s design elements help ensure patient health and safety. In addition, the latest energy efficiency considerations were incorporated into the project, with LED light fixtures, triple-pane windows, light-colored roof for solar reflection, high efficiency condensing boilers, and native grasses and plants in the landscaping to reduce water consumption. 
 
The $85 million hospital replaces Caro Center, which was constructed in 1913. Opened in 1914 as the Caro Farm Colony for Epileptics, it served as the only State of Michigan residential treatment center for individuals with seizure disorders until 1997. 
 
The new 130,000 square-foot facility offers four separate patient neighborhoods/units, each decorated with therapeutic colors. There are 68 single-bed suites with private bathrooms, 16 double rooms, and others set up to care for geriatric patients. A downtown-themed area offers patients a hair care salon, exercise room, greenhouse, library, art and music rooms, and a chapel. Other patient amenities include a gymnasium with audiovisual system for events and outside courtyards for recreational space. 
 
The facility also includes updated HVAC and building management systems, building access controls, and video surveillance for enhanced patient safety. Modernized spaces for staff for treatment consultations, staff meetings, and breakroom spaces are also featured in the new hospital. Additional support spaces include a clinic suite, dental suite, space for telehealth and tele-court appointments, commercial kitchen, salt shed, and onsite generator and water well for use in the event of an emergency. 
 
The remaining buildings from the old structure will be demolished this year before the Caro Psychiatric Hospital opens to patients.

About the State Facilities Administration:
The State Facilities Administration (SFA) manages and maintains state-owned facilities and properties, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) services; landscaping; and energy management systems throughout the state of Michigan. SFA also provides facility design and construction management services for state agencies and colleges and universities implementing infrastructure improvements and new construction projects. SFA strategically manages the state’s portfolio of owned and leased space, providing agencies with services to meet changing space requirements, as well as handling land and surplus property dispositions.