Case Study: Vail Health Precourt Healing Center

Precision in Construction

Introduction

In mountain communities like Vail, Colorado, the shortage of behavioral health resources presents unique challenges. Residents often face limited access to mental health care, with some required to travel hours to larger cities for treatment. This lack of accessible care creates barriers to recovery and worsens mental health outcomes, particularly in areas known for their high rates of depression and anxiety. The Vail Health Precourt Healing Center directly addresses these challenges as the first dedicated behavioral health facility in the Vail Valley, bringing much-needed resources to the region.

The state-of-the-art behavioral health facility combines patient safety with comfort, offering amenities like exercise rooms, age-specific floors, supervised outdoor spaces, and advanced case management services. With its bilingual care and focus on personalized treatment, the center sets a new standard for behavioral health care in mountain regions, improving access and outcomes for patients across Colorado’s High Country.

Project Features

The Precourt Healing Center is a 50,000-square-foot inpatient facility located in Edwards, Colorado. Designed to serve both adolescents and adults, the center offers 28 beds—14 for adolescents aged 12 and older and 14 for adults—providing short-term stays and treatment for individuals in crisis.

The complex is equipped with age-specific floors to cater to the unique needs of different patient groups. Each floor includes supervised outdoor spaces and exercise rooms, promoting nature and physical activity as part of the healing journey. Unlike traditional behavioral health facilities, the center also features oversized windows, providing patients with natural light and serene views of the surrounding mountains to support recovery.

One of only two nationwide facilities incorporating infrared cameras for patient monitoring, the center uses this cutting-edge technology to enhance safety while ensuring patient privacy. It also enables staff to provide discreet and effective care.

A notable feature of the Precourt Healing Center is its bilingual care services, offering behavioral health support in both English and Spanish. This inclusivity ensures that a broader segment of the community can access essential mental health services.

Challenges Overcome

Foundation Stabilization: Initial site reviews revealed the need for seven feet of soil to stabilize the structure, but a geotechnical error mistakenly specified soil removal. Haselden installed 368 vibrated aggregate piers to correct this, creating a secure foundation. Despite this significant adjustment, the team maintained the original project schedule by re-sequencing tasks to minimize delays.

Severe Weather Conditions: During construction, the team faced 100-year snowfall and freezing temperatures in Edwards, Colorado. Despite these conditions, critical underground utility installations were completed on schedule, a testament to Haselden’s adaptability and expertise.

Permitting Delays: Unlike typical projects, all site work had to be completed before building permits were issued. Haselden used this time to conduct detailed constructability reviews, streamlining the approval process and ensuring no wasted time.

Through meticulous planning and stakeholder collaboration, Haselden overcame these challenges while delivering the project on time and to the highest standards.

Excellence in Project Management

Behavioral health facilities present unique construction challenges, with stringent safety requirements and specialized design needs. Haselden’s experience with similar projects proved invaluable. Early collaboration with the owner and architect ensured that every detail, from seclusion rooms to patient safety systems, was carefully planned.

Quality control was paramount. The team rigorously tested materials and systems, down to screws and fasteners, to ensure they met safety standards. Custom elements, like the oversized windows, underwent multiple rounds of testing to confirm compliance with impact resistance requirements. The proactive identification and resolution of potential issues allowed Haselden to deliver a facility that met all safety and operational criteria.

Safety and Environmental Stewardship

Safety was a top priority throughout the project. Weekly site meetings reinforced protocols, and team members received specialized training on ligature-resistant construction methods. Integrating roof tie-off points into the building’s design ensured worker safety at all elevations.

Environmental considerations were equally important. The project’s hilltop location required careful stormwater management to protect nearby watersheds. Haselden constructed a 26-foot site wall over wetlands and an outlet, avoiding disruption to the surrounding natural areas. Third-party inspections confirmed no environmental damage during the project, underscoring Haselden’s commitment to sustainability.

Community Impact

Mountain communities, often referred to as the “paradise paradox,” experience higher rates of mental illness despite their idyllic settings. The Precourt Healing Center addresses this disparity by providing accessible, high-quality care tailored to the region’s unique needs. Hospitals from as far as Jackson Hole, Wyoming, have sought admitting privileges, reflecting the center’s regional impact.

The center’s design emphasizes patient dignity and recovery. Natural light, outdoor spaces, and a calming atmosphere contribute to a healing environment, while exercise rooms and tailored programming provide comprehensive support for mental health improvement.

For Haselden, this project also holds personal significance, as the construction industry faces one of the highest rates of mental health challenges. By creating a space for recovery and support, the center serves the community and sets a precedent for addressing mental health within the industry.

Conclusion

The Vail Health Precourt Healing Center represents a groundbreaking achievement in behavioral health care for mountain communities. Through innovative design, exceptional project management, and an unwavering commitment to safety and sustainability, Haselden Construction delivered a facility that addresses critical gaps in mental health resources. This project serves as a model for future facilities, blending safety, comfort, and accessibility to support patients on their path to recovery.