$44 million Heritage Behavioral Health project about to enter second phase

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Heritage Behavioral Health Center is preparing for the second phase of the Northgate Plaza Project, which will house its new facility.

In 2024, the Heritage Behavioral Health Center was given the building by the Andreas family. The building is at 2800 N. Water Street, the former home of Hollywood Video, K's Merchandise and Schnuck's.

They were awarded a nearly $44 million grant from the state of Illinois, which will fund the project for up to five years. However, President and CEO Mary Garrison said it should not take that long.

The property is nearly 150,000 square feet, allowing Heritage to move nearly all operations to this location. In the past year, Heritage has completed demolition and will submit the final drawings to the City of Decatur at the end of March. During this time, Heritage has been working to create a space that will help its clients heal and thrive.

"I believe we have one shot. People come in our door, and we need to make sure they're taking that risk, and they're willing to let us be their caregiver, in terms of their services. We need to do that in the very best way we can," Garrison said.

Garrison said that she anticipates taking in up to 4,000 new clients following the opening. "We may be serving you, individuals in your family, your colleagues ... mental health and substance use impact all of us in some way. And so we need the community — whether you utilize our services or you're referring someone to be here — to champion us to be a healthier community," she said.

During this vital time period, Heritage is checking in with the community and focusing on education.

"That stigma exists. And I just think it's just lack of knowledge," Garrison said.

They hope to start construction July 1, and anticipate it should take two years.

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