The mental health crisis is an ongoing challenge, affecting individuals, families, and communities worldwide. Globally, one in seven adolescents struggles with a mental disorder, and in the U.S., one in five adults is diagnosed with a men- tal health condition each year. In Peoria, there is a critical shortage of supportive, safe environments for youth strug- gling with mental health crises. These statistics highlight an urgent need for accessible, well-designed spaces to support people in their journey toward mental well-being.

The renovation of the former Heading Oaks nursing home into a behavioral health center for youth facility offers a solution to a pressing social issue: the lack of dedicated spaces that respond compassionately to the needs of vul- nerable individuals, especially youth.

This project does not simply aim to meet the minimum standards required for a health facility—it seeks to create a space that genuinely supports healing. By converting a for- mer nursing home into a mental health facility, the design team focused on creating a sanctuary for young patients. The facility aims to be a beacon of hope in a time when such services are more critical than ever. Thoughtful design choices such as natural lighting, soothing color palettes, and creating an atmosphere of calm make this facility a model for future mental health spaces, ensuring that both the physical environment and the emotional experience align with the needs of the people it serves.

One of the most important elements in designing a men- tal health facility is the focus on safety without sacrificing comfort or dignity. The building conversion focused on creating spaces that balance patient safety and emotional well-being. For instance, ligature-resistant designs are cru- cial in preventing self-harm in behavioral health environ- ments. Attention to these details demonstrates a profound understanding of the behavioral health environment and the special care required to create safe spaces.

Beyond safety, the project also focused on giving patients a sense of control over their environment. The inclusion of elements such as wayfinding symbols (sun, moon, stars) provides a sense of orientation and security, while the choice of furniture further enhances the feeling of control. The color palette, with soft, warm hues, and natural light- ing helps to create a tranquil space that does not feel clin- ical or oppressive. The aim was to build a space that feels human and welcoming, not institutional or sterile, encour- aging patients to feel at ease during their stay.