east_pointe1A facility that now houses a comprehensive mental and behavioral healthcare hospital that focuses on stabilizing psychiatric symptoms and preventing psychiatric commitment recently underwent a renovation that included the installation of Norix furniture in an attempt to erase “stereotypes typically related to psychiatric hospitals.”

Operated by AltaPointe Heath Systems, Inc., EastPointe Hospital’s clinical and medical professionals assess and evaluate adults in psychiatric crisis.  Adults admitted to EastPointe will have exhibited life-threatening, destructive or disabling behavior or symptoms requiring 24-hour monitoring and assessment.  Each patient completes a psychiatric diagnostic evaluation and receives 24-hour clinical care for an estimated three to seven day stay.

AltaPointe purchased the property – which was previously owned by the Alabama Department of Mental Health – in 2008 for $4.4 million and invested $3.2 million in extensive renovations and remodeling, which began in January 2011.

As a psychiatric facility, the furnishing needs presented a unique challenge – furnishings that are beautiful, comfortable and durable, yet don’t pose a risk of harm to the facility’s clients.  Ultimately, the goal of the furnishings was to provide the feeling of “home” in this residential treatment facility.

“In keeping with the goals of the owners, the design of the facility including the furniture was to incorporate materials and colors that evoke feelings of warmth and personality in lieu of the typical sterile environment found in many facilities,” Mac Walcott, with Walcott Adams Verneuille Architects, Inc., said.  “The colors, finishes and style of the furniture helped achieve those goals by providing a comforting environment.”

east_pointe2After an extensive search for products that would meet the owner’s requirements, it was determined that Norix Group, Inc. would provide the furnishings.  Consultative sales specialist Tommy Jernigan presented a variety of options to the design team.  Working directly with Norix, furniture selections were made based on functionality, durability and aesthetics.

EastPointe Hospital admitted its first patient on July 16, 2012.

“We have been very pleased with the durability of the furnishings provided by Norix,” Jarrett Crum, EastPointe Hospital Administrator, said.  “The installation team was thorough and timely in their completion of work.  The ability to increase the weight of the rotomolded chairs by ballasting with sand has limited destruction opportunities by patients who may become agitated due to their illness and limited comprehension levels.”

Download the case study here to read more about the facility, the hospital and the renovation project.

Dustin Coleman is a brand journalist for Norix Furniture and a contributor to the Safe Environments blog.