Accessibility-Centered Children’s Facility Breaks Ground in Northern Colorado

By Fay Harvey

TIMNATH, Colo. — In an attempt to increase space and expand support, Respite Care Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to providing short-term care to children with developmental disabilities, is moving its Fort Collins, Colo. operations southeast to Timnath.

The nonprofit’s Fort Collins location was established in 2003. Since then, the building has undergone numerous renovations to keep up with evolving health needs and trends. A 24/7 facility, the hospital serves a daily average of 65 children. However, due to a lack of space, key members in the developmental and fundraising team have had to work off site.

The new 21,000-square-foot facility, which broke ground in March, allows all employees to work under one roof and will increase the patient capacity to more than 150. Additionally, moving the facility to Timnath creates a more central location for patients and their families across Colorado’s Weld County.

Designed by Neenan Archistruction, a design-build firm based in Fort Collins that also worked on the 2003 facility, the new patient-focused building was meticulously designed to feel like a home away from home for young patients. Prioritizing accessibility, the one-story building aims to offer a safe and enriching environment.

“Our mission is to meet the children we serve exactly where they are, and having a building designed with their specific needs in mind will make all the difference,” said Kristi Briles, executive director at Respite Care, in a statement. “Our partnership with Neenan [Archistruction], in whom we have tremendous trust, allows us the opportunity to be involved in all stages of design and construction, giving us the opportunity to ensure this space enhances our ability to meet the needs of the families and children we serve.”

Inside the care facility, flooring will be smooth and seamless to better facilitate movement for patients using walkers and wheelchairs, while the play area will use a softer flooring material to mitigate injury. The building’s mechanical system will be tailored to create child-friendly temperature regulation to enhance patient comfort. Additionally, the facility will feature multiple dedicated sensory spaces, including cocoon swings and color-changing lights. The project is slated for completion by the end of this year, with a grand opening set for early 2026.

“Respite Care Inc. has done so much to empower individuals and families of those with developmental disabilities, and it is truly admirable to see an organization that embraces these extraordinary individuals,” said Bill Pigg, president of Neenan Archistruction, in a statement. “Whenever we have an opportunity to use our expertise to benefit the lives of Respite Care employees and clients, we are eager to do so.”