Communities are strengthened when public spaces are designed with purpose. That vision is reflected in the newly completed Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Southern Region Office and Peaks Youth Center, where thoughtful architecture, sustainable construction, and collaborative project delivery have transformed an existing facility into a modern resource dedicated to supporting youth mental health. Coconino County partnered with DLR Group and Kinney Construction Services, Inc. (Kinney) to deliver the project while maintaining uninterrupted operations for the CCHHS staff and the public they serve.
The 8,500 SF project reimagines the existing Southern Region Office into a modern, flexible space that enhances both public access and staff functionality while introducing the new Peaks Youth Center. A newly created Youth Advisory Council is working directly with the CCHHS staff and leadership to develop, refine and guide programming, ensuring services reflect the needs and voices of the young people the County serves.
“We believe that by partnering with our youth, we can create a more effective, compassionate, and supportive space for mental wellness,” stated CCHHS Director Michele Auxland.
Designed to foster comfort, connection, and healing, the renovated facility features thoughtfully planned interiors, natural gathering spaces, and vibrant design elements. In addition to the Peaks Youth Center, the lobby of the Health and Human Services Building was remodeled to improve staff efficiencies and create a welcoming space. A dedicated children’s play area is highlighted by a hand-painted mural celebrating the diversity of Coconino County. Designed by DLR Group, the renovated facility enhances functionality for the public and for staff. Natural light, flexible program spaces, calming finishes, and durable materials support both daily operations and the evolving needs of youth behavioral health services.
“Our design for the CCHHS Building with the Peaks Youth Center strengthens community well-being and access to essential services” said Hans Papke, AIA, NCARB, DLR Group Principal and Project Architect. “By bringing together behavioral health resources, public services, and community spaces in a welcoming environment, this project creates meaningful opportunities for connection, healing, and support. It’s been a privilege to partner with Coconino County and Kinney on this important community services hub.”
One of the project’s greatest successes was completing construction while the County’s Southern Region Office remained fully operational. Throughout construction, Kinney worked collaboratively with County staff to develop customized phasing plans, carefully coordinated logistics, and proactive communication strategies that allowed essential Health and Human Services operations to continue uninterrupted while maintaining a safe environment for employees, clients, and construction personnel.
“Projects like this demonstrate how thoughtful design and quality construction can directly support the well-being of a community,” said Kinney’s President, Mike Thomas. “We’re honored to have partnered with Coconino County and DLR Group to create a space that not only serves today’s needs but will positively impact the lives of young people and their families for years to come.”
Sustainability also played an important role throughout construction. The team incorporated environmentally responsible construction practices and selected sustainable materials whenever possible, supporting the County’s long-term operational goals while creating a healthier indoor environment for occupants. Careful material management, waste reduction strategies, and efficient construction processes helped minimize the project’s environmental impact. The facility also incorporates energy-efficient LED lighting with motion sensors to reduce energy consumption, enhanced sound insulation to improve occupant comfort, and thermal breaks within the building envelope to increase energy efficiency by reducing heat transfer and improving overall building performance.
The Peaks Youth Center represents an important investment in early intervention and behavioral health resources for young people across Coconino County. The center will support a variety of services including clinical behavioral health care, educational support, prevention programming, resource navigation, and youth-led community programming. Services are expected to extend beyond Flagstaff into communities including Page, Williams, Tusayan, and Fredonia.