Within view of Ford’s test track and surrounded by Henry Ford’s legacy, Michigan’s healthcare giant and our client Universal Health Services teamed up to develop a new state-of-the-art behavioral health hospital in Dearborn. This 144-bed hospital provides acute mental health services to all age ranges as well as those that suffer from a combination of medical and mental health needs.

Henry Ford was known as an innovator in production and efficiency, and he created a car that the everyday person could afford. He also cared for his employees knowing their jobs could be monotonous and repetitive. He was a first in profit sharing and sought after the health and retention of his people. We believe if he were alive today, he would be thrilled to have this critical service so accessible.

Two highlights of our design were 1) ensuring there are no views of the test track from the second floor. Those car journalists have been known to sneak a peek at any cost!  2) For cost-effectiveness and build time reductions, the team incorporated precast, architectural precast concrete wall panels for the entire facade. These panels incorporated brick and patterns to give the product a residential scale and feel. These panels saved the client $1.2 million without impacting the schedule.