LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Gov. Joe Lombardo joined state and community leaders Wednesday to celebrate the opening of three new facilities at the Desert Regional Center, a more than $30 million state investment that was completed under budget, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
The project includes a new administration building, a therapy and nursing building, and a six-bed Intermediate Care Facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities, the release said. The new facilities replace aging buildings that had reached the end of their useful life and allow similar staff and services to be located together, according to the release.
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“Today, we’re opening three new state buildings here at the Desert Regional Center, but more importantly, we’re opening the door to better care for Nevadans who depend on these services,” Lombardo said. “This is a more than $30 million state investment — and it came in under budget. When we spend taxpayer dollars, we have a responsibility to get results.”
Project details
The $30.66 million project was fully funded by the State of Nevada, the release said. It includes a 20,031-square-foot administration building, an 8,287-square-foot Intermediate Care Facility with six beds, and a 4,895-square-foot therapy and nursing building.
The new facilities address safety and maintenance concerns associated with the previous buildings, according to the release. The new therapy and nursing space includes dedicated areas for physical and occupational therapy, while the Intermediate Care Facility provides space for residents and mental health professionals.
Construction began in September 2025, with the new facilities completed in September 2026, the release said. The project also provides additional land on the Department of Human Services campus for construction of the Southern Nevada Forensic Facility.
Other officials react
“Today is about more than new buildings. It is about creating an environment where the Nevadans we serve a place they can call home, and where they can receive the care, support and dignity they deserve,” said Rique Robb, administrator of the Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division. “This investment gives them a safe, welcoming place to live and gives our dedicated staff the space and resources they need to provide the highest level of care.”
“Twelve months ago, the admin building emptied out, and staff moved into temporary quarters so we could go to work,” said Kevin Burke, CEO of Burke Construction Group. “Today, we deliver it back new, expanded, on schedule, on budget, and built to the standard of the people who live and work here deserve. That doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because of people – passionate, engaged people aligned on a mission.”
The Desert Regional Center operates an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities that provides 24-hour institutional care, according to the release. The new facilities support the center’s mission of providing care and services to Nevadans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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