The Park Nicollet Melrose Institute is a special facility focused on the care of persons seeking treatment for eating disorders. This is the only program of its kind in the Midwest – medically based and dedicated solely to the treatment of eating disorders. The new building will be on a unique site adjacent to a nature preserve, and features outdoor program space and healing gardens for the enjoyment of patients and families alike. It goes without saying that for a project on such a lovely natural setting, incorporating natural and sustainable materials and design principles was of great importance to both the client and the design team.
The first and second floors contain the semi-public program elements such as: Triage and Assessment, Chapel, Bookstore, Exercise Room, Dining, Individual and Group Therapy Rooms as well as two Experiential Kitchens. These simulate residential kitchens so that patients may develop a healthy relationship with food and establish healthy eating habits.
The third floor houses the Inpatient and Residential programs. Its north wing is a 30-bed unit for ambulatory patients requiring 24/7 monitoring by the care team. The south wing is a 9-bed unit that maintains a residential atmosphere. This is intended to aid patients in being more independent under the care of medical staff as they transition back into their everyday lives.
