The Mental Health Board of Chilton and Shelby Counties has struck a deal with a Birmingham architecture firm to build a new $1.8 million facility in Calera.

Ground-clearing work has begun for the new Hamilton Center at 151 Hamilton Lane, said David Peacher, project manager of The Garrison Barrett Group. The new facility replaces the old Hamilton Center, which sustained severe fire damage.

“We’re in the process of removing the ruins of the old building,” Peacher said. “The new building won’t have the same footprint, but it’s on the same piece of property owned by the mental health board. There’s enough land out there to build a new building on the site.”

The 14,500-square-foot facility will house outpatient day treatment programs and drug treatment services, according to a news release from The Garrison Barrett Group. The facility will also include offices for therapists and administration, training rooms, classrooms and a reception area.

Peacher said the expected completion date is Nov. 16.

The Mental Health Board of Chilton and Shelby Counties is a public non-profit organization governed by 10 members appointed by the Chilton and Shelby County Commissions.

The Chilton/Shelby Mental Health Centers are members of the Alabama Council for Community Mental Health Boards, and are certified by the Alabama Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation.