North Dakota has officially started construction on a new $300 million psychiatric hospital in Jamestown with a modern facility will replace the aging State Hospital that has operated since 1885. With 140 beds and nearly 300,000 square feet of space, the project, undertaken by Mortenson, represents one of the largest behavioral health investments in the region.
The decision to build in Jamestown honors a constitutional requirement that the state hospital remain in the city. At the same time, it also delivers an economic boost to the community by creating jobs and attracting supporting services, similar to other large-scale healthcare projects such as the recently launched Roper St. Francis Healthcare hospital campus in North Charleston.
Project Factsheet: New North Dakota Psychiatric Hospital
Project Cost: $300 million.
Location: Jamestown, North Dakota.
Total Size: Around 300,000 square feet.
Capacity: 140 inpatient beds.
Design Approach: Trauma-informed design with therapeutic courtyards and abundant natural light.
Community Spaces: Includes chapel, library, barber, fitness areas, teaching kitchen, and botanical garden.
Patient-Centered Model: Layout designed around a “house-neighborhood-downtown” concept.
Efficiency: Replaces six outdated buildings with one consolidated facility.
Sustainability: Incorporates energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly operations.
Groundbreaking: August 2025 with state officials in attendance.
Completion Timeline: Expected by late 2027, operations beginning in early 2028.
Historic Ties: Some site features reflect Jamestown’s agricultural legacy.
Roper St Francis Healthcare Breaks Ground on $1.2B Hospital Campus in North Charleston
A Facility Designed for Modern Care
The hospital’s design puts patients at the center. Features like private rooms, open courtyards, and wellness spaces will improve treatment experiences. The inclusion of everyday services, such as a bank, barber, and teaching kitchen, helps normalize care and reduce stigma. Importantly, these features also support recovery by giving patients a sense of independence.
Sustainability and Community Impact
Sustainability is central to the project. The facility will integrate energy-efficient systems, reducing costs and environmental impact. Staff will also benefit, working in a single modern building instead of scattered, outdated structures. For Jamestown, the hospital not only secures vital healthcare but also reinforces the city’s role as a hub for behavioral health in North Dakota.
Looking Ahead
The project is funded through the state’s 2025–2027 budget, demonstrating a clear legislative commitment to mental health. Once operational, the hospital will set new standards for psychiatric care in the Midwest. It also positions North Dakota as a leader in modern behavioral health infrastructure while preserving the historic legacy of the state hospital in Jamestown.
