$145 Million Pediatric Behavioral Health Hospital Breaks Ground in South LA
Construction has begun on a landmark $145 million pediatric behavioral health hospital in South Los Angeles, bringing a much-needed healthcare resource to communities throughout the region. The Kedren Children’s Village, an expansion of Kedren Community Health Center in Watts, will be one of only a few pediatric-focused behavioral hospitals in the entire United States upon completion.
The 103,000-square-foot facility, located at 710 E. 111th Place, will provide specialized mental health services for children and families, representing a significant investment in an often underserved area of healthcare. For residents of Inglewood, Compton, and surrounding communities, this new facility will provide critical services much closer to home.
According to an announcement from McCarthy Building Companies and architecture firm HOK, the comprehensive campus will include an inpatient psychiatric facility, outpatient services, and 24 units of transitional housing. The housing component will serve families receiving care at the facility as well as homeless families and individuals served by Kedren.
“This project represents a forward-thinking approach to pediatric behavioral health care,” said HOK design principal Adaeze Cadet. “Our goal is to create a facility that not only meets the clinical needs of patients but also fosters a sense of dignity, comfort, and community connection.”
The design incorporates elements specifically chosen to create a healing environment, including a physical therapy gym and outdoor garden spaces. The exterior façade is inspired by a quilt pattern, symbolically representing the diverse clients served by Kedren Community Health Center.
Mental health advocates have long highlighted the shortage of pediatric mental health facilities in Los Angeles County, particularly in South LA communities. The new Kedren Children’s Village aims to address this gap by providing specialized care for young people experiencing behavioral health challenges.
The project is expected to create numerous construction jobs during the building phase and permanent healthcare positions once operational. For local families currently traveling long distances to access specialized pediatric mental health services, the facility will provide crucial care closer to home.
The construction team is experienced in healthcare facility development, with McCarthy Building Companies and HOK also collaborating on another psychiatric-focused hospital for UCLA in the Mid-Wilshire area.
Construction is scheduled to continue through 2027, with completion expected in Summer 2027. The Inglewood Times will continue to follow the development of this important healthcare resource as construction progresses.
