Total Precast
Pine Rest Pediatric Center for Behavioral Health
Overview
The Pine Rest Pediatric Center for Behavioral Health is a new pediatric behavioral health facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan, designed to expand access to inpatient, outpatient, and crisis care for children across the region. Serving up to 800 children annually with inpatient services and more than 10,000 children with outpatient care, the 136,000-square-foot building blends modern design with architectural cues from Pine Rest’s historic campus.
2026 PCI Design Award Healthcare/Medical Building
Project Details:
General Contractor
EV Construction
Engineer of Record
Ericksen Roed and Associates
Architect
BWBR Architects
Location
Grand Rapids, MI
Fabcon’s Precast Solutions Support Historic Campus Design and an Accelerated Schedule
Located near Pine Rest’s historic campus, established in 1910, the new facility was designed to complement the existing stone and brick architecture while introducing a modern, welcoming environment. Precast concrete was selected early for its durability, energy efficiency, sound mitigation, and ability to deliver a finished, low-maintenance building envelope within a compressed schedule.
Problem
The project team needed a wall system capable of supporting institutional use while delivering a durable, low-maintenance finish and high insulation performance for reduced energy consumption. Sound mitigation and architectural expression were also critical, especially for a facility serving vulnerable pediatric populations. The accelerated schedule left little room for multi-stage construction, and traditional masonry systems posed significant schedule risk due to sequential installation requirements.
Solution
Fabcon worked closely with the architect and owner to develop a single-source insulated precast wall system that integrated structure, insulation, air/moisture control, and final exterior finishes into one installation. The panels featured embedded thin brick, acid-washed precast concrete, and form liner textures to reflect the historic material palette while expressing a modern, playful design concept inspired by a “treehouse” approach to create a soothing environment for children. Early panelization and phased submittals allowed fabrication to align with the compressed schedule and ensured timely delivery.
Results
Precast concrete significantly accelerated the building enclosure, allowing interior work to begin immediately after panel erection. By eliminating the need for separate insulation, brick veneer, and moisture barrier trades, the system reduced labor, scaffolding, and coordination challenges on site. The durable precast envelope also supports long-term energy performance with minimal maintenance. Recognition with the 2026 PCI Design Award underscores the project’s success in combining aesthetic versatility, performance, and constructability in a healthcare setting.
”We chose precast concrete primarily for the time it would save in the construction process and the ability to have several aesthetic finish options with one primary wall type.
Melanie BaumhoverPrincipal at BWBR Architects
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