Stockbridge's Austen Riggs Center Renovates Historic Buildings With MassDevelopment Bond
May 14, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Kelsey Abbruzzese, MassDevelopment, 617-330-2086 & 617-448-9077 (cell)
kabbruzzese@massdevelopment.com
Chauncey T. Collins, Austen Riggs Center, 413-931-5221
chauncey.collins@austenriggs.net
MassDevelopment has issued a $3.5 million tax-exempt bond for the Austen Riggs Center, a psychiatric hospital and residential treatment center in Stockbridge. Riggs will use bond proceeds to renovate and improve two historic buildings on Main Street, which the Center uses as patient residences. The renovations at the Elms building will include replacing windows and doors, partially demolishing and reconstructing interior space, replacing the roof, and installing new HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. The renovations at the Inn building will include installing air conditioning; upgrading electrical, communications and fire alarm systems; and adding new furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
“The Austen Riggs Center has provided psychiatric treatment for nearly a century by stressing the dignity of the individual and the importance of human relationships,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Lauren Liss. “MassDevelopment is proud to support this organization as it preserves its rich history and better equips its facilities to help those in need.”
Dr. Austen Fox Riggs founded the Austen Riggs Center to expand his interest in psychiatry and psychology. He developed his own system of treatment that combined talk therapy with a structured routine of daily activities to provide a balance in work, play, rest, and exercise. The Center was incorporated in 1919. Today, Riggs is a vital therapeutic community, open psychiatric hospital, and institute for education and research. The Center works to promote resilience and self-direction in those with complex psychiatric problems. Riggs helps people to take charge of their own lives and acknowledges that treatment leads to a more fulfilling life when the sources of suffering are addressed.
“We are grateful to MassDevelopment for their support and partnership in these important upgrades and renovations to our patient facilities,” said Andrew J. Gerber, MD, PhD, medical director/CEO of Riggs.
MassDevelopment, the state’s finance and development agency, works with businesses, nonprofits, financial institutions, and communities to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. During FY2017, MassDevelopment financed or managed 377 projects generating investment of more than $4.3 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are projected to create about 9,488 jobs and build or rehabilitate 1,863 residential units.
