Excelsior Wellness has applied for building permits for the first phase of the $7.4 million remodel and expansion project at its campus at 3754 W. Indian Trail Road, in North Spokane.

The nonprofit organization expects the initial phase of remodeling to cost about $4.5 million, says Lynn Suksdorf, vice president of acquisitions and alignment.

“We’re increasing our regional capacity and our outpatient care facilities in this remodel,” Suksdorf says. “The demand for services in the Spokane area is growing. The need in our community to increase services for youth is surprising.” 

Renovations will house outpatient services, such as Excelsior’s therapy center and its wraparound intensive services program.

“We will also be putting our Excelsior Family Medicine clinic in part of that space so that there’s a continuum of care for our outpatient service users,” Suksdorf says.

About 12,000 square feet will be remodeled and about 750 square feet added, he says. The permit review process is expected to be completed in November, and construction work is scheduled to begin shortly thereafter. Suksdorf says the building likely will have a move-in date in October 2023.

Swinerton Builders, of Spokane, is the general contractor on the project. Suksdorf says Seattle-based McKinstry Co.’s Spokane office is handling mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire contracting services. Bernardo Wills, of Spokane, is the architect. Spokane-based DCI Engineers is providing structural engineering services.

The cost of the first phase is being covered by a combination of $4 million in state grants and about $500,000 in Excelsior capital funds.

The structure was built in 1965 and originally housed the Spokane order of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd.

“It’s been updated, but not remodeled since the ’60s,” Suksdorf says.

The new design for the space will include areas for play therapy and waiting room. The design also will emphasize natural lighting and open spaces that flow into each other.

“We’re adding calming spaces where either staff, clients, or family members can sit and relax, and even access the outdoor spaces to calm or to process things they’ve been dealing with,” Suksdorf says. “It’s going to be a design that is people-centered, bringing into the workplaces and outpatient care spaces an element of nature.”

The building’s energy-efficiency elements also will be upgraded, including the facility’s lighting system and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system, he says.

Excelsior is planning two additional phases of renovations and expansions, Suksdorf says.

Excelsior has 150 full-time employees and 35 part-time employees, and the organization currently is hiring, and will continue to do so throughout the remodeling process.