North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Balfour Beatty celebrated the topping out of a new psychiatric residential treatment facility in Columbia, marking a key milestone in construction of a one-of-a-kind center for justice-involved youth in South Carolina.
Led by the South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities’ Office of Mental Health (OMH), the project reached its highest structural point with the placement of the final steel beam atop the 24,000-square-foot building. LCK, a Columbia-based firm, is serving as the Construction Manager Agent.
Once complete, the one-story, 24-bed facility will provide critical mental health and rehabilitation services to youth committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) who have complex psychiatric needs. Construction began roughly 10 months ago.
“This milestone represents significant progress in delivering this essential facility for the state,” said David Stanton, vice president of Balfour Beatty in the Carolinas. “We are proud to collaborate with OMH, DJJ and Recovery Solutions on this important project that will provide much-needed comprehensive care and rehabilitation services for young people in our community.”
The facility will feature advanced security systems and modern therapeutic spaces, including treatment areas, educational rooms and secure residential accommodations. Designed to balance security and healing, the center will support youth rehabilitation and reintegration into the community.
Balfour Beatty serves as the general contractor, overseeing services throughout the design, construction and operations phases. The team is working closely with OMH, DJJ, Recovery Solutions and design partners to meet the specialized requirements of youth treatment facilities.
“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,” said Dr. Robert Bank, interim director of the Office of Mental Health. “This facility represents our commitment to rehabilitation and supporting successful reintegration of youth into their communities.”
Interior construction is now underway, including the installation of specialized treatment areas. The facility is expected to be completed in late 2025 and will be operated by Recovery Solutions.