BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Kelly Armstrong today joined state leaders, legislators and project partners to mark the placement of the final structural beam for the new North Dakota State Hospital in Jamestown, a $300 million, 140-bed facility that will expand and modernize inpatient behavioral healthcare for North Dakotans.
The beam signing marks a major milestone in construction of the new hospital, which is expected to be completed by early 2028. The project was included in Armstrong’s 2025-27 budget recommendation and approved by the North Dakota Legislature.
“The new State Hospital is a once-in-a-generation investment in the future of behavioral health in North Dakota,” Armstrong said. “This facility will provide a modern, safe and supportive environment where patients can receive high-quality care and where our dedicated staff have the tools they need to do their jobs. We are grateful to the Legislature for making this investment possible and to everyone who is helping bring this vision to life.”
Armstrong, HHS Commissioner Conner Swanson and State Hospital Superintendent Aaron Olson delivered remarks during the ceremony. Attendees, including statewide elected officials, legislators, cabinet leaders and team members from HHS, signed the beam before it was lifted into place by crane.
The new facility will replace aging infrastructure and provide a modern, trauma-informed environment designed to support patient dignity, safety, recovery and individualized treatment. Features will include private patient rooms, natural light, flexible treatment and therapy spaces, and energy-efficient systems.
The North Dakota State Hospital has served North Dakotans since 1885. The new facility will provide psychiatric inpatient care, forensic services, psychiatric rehabilitation and the Sex Offender Treatment and Evaluation Program. About 300 people work at the State Hospital.
HHS worked with JLG Architects and Architecture+ in collaboration with Tegra Group to design the facility. Mortenson Construction is the construction manager.
More information about the North Dakota State Hospital replacement project is available on the Health and Human Services website.