Barry County Community Mental Health Authority was previously working out of two levels in an existing medical office building along with two other separate office locations, all as a collective total space that was too small for their needs. The challenge to Schley Nelson was to combine the facilities into one comprehensive building that will function in a manner that allows for staff, clients and the community to utilize the spaces in a convenient environment appropriate to the services.

The new single story building has a public entry that is highly visible from the street and a separate staff entry situated to the rear of the building. Clients are directed into areas that allow for space and views to the outside, creating a healing environment. Non-Clinical staff are located in a way to allow for connectivity to the entire building, but also sheltered from the clinical areas. Public meeting space is provided near the main entry but which can be isolated for after- hour’s public use.