Case Study: Larimer County Behavioral Health Longview Campus

Building Dignity Into Community Care

Introduction

The Larimer County Behavioral Health Services at Longview Campus represents a groundbreaking advancement in Colorado’s mental health infrastructure. Designed to fill a critical gap in crisis care, the 55,000-square-foot facility provides 64 beds and a comprehensive range of behavioral health services, including triage, mental health assessment, substance use diagnosis, crisis stabilization, and short-term residential treatment. With services available in English and Spanish and care provided regardless of ability to pay, the center is a model of inclusive, dignified care for some of Larimer County’s most vulnerable residents. Haselden Construction was honored to bring this vital resource to life.

Project Features

The design of the Longview Campus prioritizes healing, safety, and access. The facility includes dedicated spaces for 23-hour observation, triage units, behavioral health treatment, and short-term stays. Natural light and biophilic design play central roles in supporting patient well-being. An enclosed courtyard, intentionally placed in the heart of the building—offers patients safe access to the outdoors while bringing daylight into surrounding interior spaces.

Due to the highly expansive soil on site, the building was constructed atop an entire crawlspace supported by 30-foot caissons. A unique three-and-a-half-foot void form system was implemented to allow the structure to shift with the soil without causing damage—an innovative solution balancing engineering with budget. Ligature-resistant materials were used throughout the building to ensure patient safety. Design elements were tailored during construction as end-use needs became clearer, such as removing or repositioning windows for privacy or light access.

Challenges Overcome

Haselden faced multiple challenges throughout the project, beginning with pandemic-related inspection delays. With scheduled inspections frequently unavailable, the team coordinated with Larimer County officials to proceed with construction while documenting every detail—particularly above-ceiling work—through photos for later review. BIM modeling also supported this flexible approach and kept the project on schedule.

Weather and site conditions presented additional obstacles. The building site sits in a high-wind corridor along a runoff path at the base of the foothills. To protect the site and surrounding ecosystem, the team built a berm and detention pond system to manage stormwater and snowmelt. Historic rainfall, intense wind, and the need for weatherproofing around the still-open courtyard roof tested the team’s endurance and adaptability. Each challenge was met with thoughtful engineering, swift action, and collaboration.

Late-stage design revisions also added complexity. When it became clear that the garage doors could not accommodate an ambulance as intended, the team deconstructed part of the already installed exterior to widen the entry. Rather than wait for a change order process, they ordered the new door immediately, avoiding delays and demonstrating proactive problem-solving.

Excellence in Project Management

This publicly funded facility required continuous communication and alignment among diverse stakeholders—including Larimer County, the project’s behavioral health service provider, architects, engineers, and end users. Haselden’s team became de facto subject matter experts in behavioral health design, navigating evolving needs and strict code requirements with agility and precision.

As the building took shape, on-site decisions became essential. Some rooms were retrofitted for privacy or natural light, while others were adjusted to better suit therapeutic purposes. A key example included redesigning exposed structural elements—like a steel cross beam—that posed safety concerns in patient rooms. Haselden worked with the architect and owner to devise an alternative that preserved safety and light.

Throughout construction, Haselden maintained meticulous quality assurance and control practices. Prefabricated elements and early engagement with specialty trades ensured smooth coordination and minimized rework, ultimately delivering a highly functional and responsive facility.

Safety and Environmental Stewardship

Site safety extended beyond traditional hazards. Weekly safety walks, custom recognition programs, and peer-based safety incentives created a culture of accountability and care. Haselden’s superintendent introduced a token-based reward system for team members who exceeded safety expectations, reinforcing a sense of ownership among all trades.

Proximity to natural habitats, including rattlesnake-prone wild grasses, introduced additional risks. The team worked with wildlife experts to develop safety protocols, ensure humane snake removal, and educate workers on proper procedures. Environmental stewardship was equally prioritized, with recycled materials like drywall and runoff carefully diverted, treated, and released without contamination.

Community Impact

This project will transform mental health care in Larimer County. Due to a lack of options, residents in crisis might have been directed to correctional facilities, but the Longview Campus provides a dedicated, compassionate place for stabilization and recovery. Services are accessible regardless of insurance, language, or socioeconomic status, making it a true community-centered facility.

Haselden also helped build public trust through transparency. The site hosted frequent tours for county commissioners, SummitStone Health staff, and other stakeholders, including potential patients. These opportunities allowed the community to witness their tax dollars at work and even offer direct feedback that shaped final facility features. The project also drew the attention of Governor Jared Polis, who visited the site and later returned to sign two landmark behavioral health bills into law—cementing the project’s statewide significance.

Conclusion

The Larimer County Behavioral Health Longview Campus exemplifies Haselden Construction’s ability to deliver complex, mission-critical facilities with empathy, innovation, and technical excellence. This project not only fills a long-standing service gap but also has a design that reflects care, dignity, and a deep understanding of human need.

By overcoming difficult terrain, shifting design requirements, regulatory hurdles, and weather extremes, Haselden delivered a facility ready to improve lives. The Longview Campus will serve as a model for behavioral health care in Colorado, thanks to a team committed to building better communities from the ground up.