The first reading to approve a special-use permit that would allow a psychiatric hospital to be built at 3101 S. Austin Ave. was approved by Georgetown City Council on Nov. 27.

The approximately 74,000-square-foot, 100-bed facility would offer inpatient and outpatient care for children, adults, seniors and active military members.

Georgetown principal planner Valerie Kreger said the average inpatient stay would be about seven days.

Blair Stam, executive vice president of Signature Healthcare Services LLC, said the need for the facility was clear.

"It's clear this is a growing community," Stam said. "The community was not shy in acknowledging the need for behavioral health care."

The company could break ground on the two-story facility in the first quarter of 2013. It will be similar in style to the Austin Avenue Medical Plaza, located next door at 3201 S. Austin Ave., he said.

Stam said the company's goal is to integrate into the community and work with local hospitals and schools. The facility is also expected to bring 250 jobs.

City Council also approved a development agreement in October for Rock Springs Hospital, a nearly 55,000-square-foot behavioral health facility at Longhorn Junction on S. E. Inner Loop. Construction for the 72-bed facility could break ground in late December, said Dan Beuerlein, chief development officer with Springstone Health.