The Laconia Daily Sun
Lakes Region Mental Health Center building was recently honored with a Plan NH Merit Award. The renovated building was formerly the home on Laconia National Bank.
The Merit Awards program recognizes outstanding building projects that embody Smart Growth principles, Social Responsibility, and/or outstanding cooperation or collaboration. These projects also demonstrate how what is built, where it is build, and how it is built can have an influence on the health and vibrancy of a community.
Lakes Region Mental Health Center, formerly Genesis Behavioral Health, had seen its services increase 55% in ten years, and it was time to consolidate the work happening in four locations within Laconia into one. The goal was “to serve patients where they live and increase access to mental health services.” When a landmark building in the downtown became available, the organization “jumped at the opportunity.” They could have taken an easier site, rather than address the significant work this old building needed. However, the Center took the long view approach, recognizing that a downtown location would be a greater asset for their clientele: the location is accessible by foot, bicycle, bus, or car.
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