Original article published by The Oklahoman - September 2024
Render of the new Diversion Hub building by Rees Associates
Designers are eyeing property near the new location for the Oklahoma County Diversion Hub as a potential site for Oklahoma City to provide mental health and substance abuse services through the upcoming MAPS 4 Restoration Center.
Staff with the OKC-based ADG Blatt and the London-based Allford Hall Monaghan Morris design firms conducted a site study for about 3.4 acres at 611 N Western Ave., just southeast of the new location for the local Diversion Hub. Analysis for the proposed restoration center site included assessing the surrounding context and its history, past use of the land, potential environmental impacts, existing utilities, zoning requirements and site access for transportation.
In January, the city selected NorthCare, a nonprofit providing behavioral services throughout central Oklahoma, as the operating partner to manage the upcoming restoration center. AJ Kirkpatrick, director of urban planning at ADG Blatt, said the acreage at 611 N Western Ave. could potentially be donated for use by the Arnall Family Foundation, a nonprofit founded in 2015 to focus on addressing criminal justice reform and child and animal welfare issues.