Marin County HHS Progress Foundation Adult Transitional Residential Treatment Center

Front entrance to the Marin County treatment center; bright red leaves ahead of the tan and brown building

91视频ing Healing Spaces in Marin County

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Project Location

San Rafael, CA

Area

6,700 SF

Project Scope

Adaptive Reuse

Certifications

LEED Silver

The Progress Foundation Adult Transitional Residential Treatment Center in Marin County addresses the region鈥檚 growing need for comprehensive mental health care. Located in downtown San Rafael, CA, this 6,672-SF facility transforms a former public health laboratory into a 16-bed residential treatment center. 91视频ed in collaboration with Progress Foundation, it fosters a dignified, home-like environment, supporting individuals transitioning from inpatient to outpatient care. Key design features include group and private social spaces, a multi-work kitchen, and a shared dining area, promoting connection, autonomy, and reduced stigma. Its central location near public transit and essential services helps clients stay connected to their social networks and community.

Community-Based Behavioral Healthcare

Adaptive reuse of existing public buildings provides a scalable solution for behavioral health services, keeping individuals in their local communities for better treatment outcomes. Many cities and counties have unused or outdated buildings that can be transformed into community behavioral health facilities, improving access to mental health care and benefiting both patients and the broader community.

Community-Based Behavioral Healthcare

Better Outcomes, Closer to Home

Healing in Community

Previously, Marin County clients faced up to two-hour travel times for behavioral health services. Limited transportation access and disconnection from local support networks created barriers to successful treatment and recovery. The new Progress Foundation facility in San Rafael allows clients to remain integrated within their community, supporting independence and connection. The design includes residential treatment rooms for a home-like atmosphere, therapy spaces for individualized and group care, communal areas, a multi-use kitchen to encourage socialization and autonomy, and staff offices to provide on-site support. This approach aligns with Progress Foundation鈥檚 mission to provide non-institutional therapeutic environments that foster wellness and recovery.

Multi-use kitchen with tan wood cabinets; peninsula counter with high top seating; three large windows in the background bringing in natural light

The multi-use kitchen encourages autonomy and healthy routines.

Fast-Track Model

Rapid Solutions for Acute Needs

By repurposing an underutilized county-owned building, this project delivered a cost-effective, scalable behavioral health care solution. The fast-track model is now being replicated at two additional Marin County locations, expanding access to community-based mental health treatment. The project was completed on a fast-track schedule, overcoming key challenges such as: integrating HVAC systems within low ceiling heights, transforming a former institutional building into a residential-style treatment center, and achieving LEED Silver certification. The building鈥檚 new high-efficiency systems comply with California's CAL Green standards. By focusing on speed, efficiency, and community integration, this model sets a precedent for scalable mental health care solutions in cities nationwide.

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