JAMESTOWN – Gov. Kelly Armstrong, along with state agency officials, legislators and local leaders, led a groundbreaking ceremony Monday, Aug. 18, for the new North Dakota State Hospital.

The event marked a significant milestone in the state’s commitment to investing in services that support the behavioral health needs of North Dakotans, according to information from the Governor’s Office.

The 300,000-square-foot facility in Jamestown will provide 140 beds in a modern, trauma-informed care environment, replacing the existing hospital that has served North Dakotans since 1885. The new State Hospital will be built for the future with specialized therapeutic spaces, advanced security measures to support patient and team member safety, and an expanded capacity to meet the changing needs of North Dakota.

“This project represents our commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate behavioral health care across North Dakota,” Armstrong said. “It’s a reflection of our focus on modernizing public services and collaboration, from state legislators to care teams. With a new State Hospital, we’re investing not only in infrastructure but in people – those receiving care and those providing it.”

The groundbreaking ceremony was held at the future site of the new hospital, west of the current hospital along 12th Avenue Southeast in Jamestown.

The $300 million facility was part of Armstrong’s 2025-2027 budget recommendation and was approved by North Dakota lawmakers.

Construction will start this month, with completion expected by the end of 2027. HHS worked with JLG Architects and Architecture+ in collaboration with Tegra Group to design the new hospital. Mortenson Construction is the construction manager.

The new facility will provide psychiatric inpatient care, forensic services including psychiatric evaluation and restoration, psychiatric rehabilitation and the Sex Offender Treatment and Evaluation Program. About 300 people work at the State Hospital.