Nixon Forensic Hospital at Fulton State Hospital

the story

Fulton State Hospital, established in 1851, is the oldest state mental institution west of the Mississippi River. It currently serves as a residential and therapeutic location for patients associated with the criminal justice system. The existing facilities were dated and did not support recovery-based treatment. They were identified as unsafe for both staff and residents, in no small part because of the configuration and condition of existing spaces designed in another time and, in some cases, for other uses. The 450,000 SF Forensic Psychiatric Hospital replaced the 85-year-old facilities previously on site

at-a-glance

TYPE:

New Building

PRACTICE:

Architecture

Programming & Planning

LOCATION:

Fulton, Missouri

STATUS:

Completed in 2022

SIZE:

450,000 SF

INSIGHT

The goal for the new Nixon Forensics Center was to replace an outdated maximum-security psychiatric hospital with a modern mental health facility that delivers expanded treatment opportunities, safety for patients and staff, and a sense of wellness and healing.

SOLUTION

The design solution is driven by healing, recovery, and safety on the cutting edge of psychiatric care. The design team empowered patients and staff through rigorous planning, maximizing light to circulation and treatment areas and providing access to outdoor space and views to nature.

The new facilities feature 12 residential living units of 25 beds each, organized around four community program areas served by a central treatment area.

This place makes me think I can get better; there is a chance I can get out.

Anonymous Fulton State Hospital, Client/Patient

IMPACT

The new Nixon Forensic Center is a modern mental hospital that not only provides expanded treatment opportunities, but is significantly safer for clients and staff, promotes wellness and healing, and is conducive to modern treatment.

Spaces are positioned for passive observation by providing clear sight lines through patient areas and to critical doors, allowing for monitoring of historically problematic areas such as dining rooms and toilet rooms.

Extensive natural daylight, access and views to outdoor spaces and nature, innovative materials, and biophilic principles are featured, improving the quality of users’ lives and promoting seamless integration between safety and effective therapy.

The facility features large windows, a welcoming “front porch” for social events, and a central lawn, providing a park-like atmosphere with walking paths for the surrounding community to enjoy.

The new maximum security hospital features 12 living units clustered around four community treatment areas that are served by the Hope Center.

Scott Hansche, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Principal-in-Charge

319 430.5676

SHansche@slamcoll.com

Matthew Nelson, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, EDAC

Project Architect

901 371.6549

MNelson@slamcoll.com

Nixon Forensic Hospital at Fulton State Hospital

the story

at-a-glance

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