The Washburn Center for Children said Thursday that it has purchased land in Minneapolis for a new children's mental health facility.

Washburn purchased a 2.5-acre parcel of land at Glenwood and Dupont avenues for $1.25 million. Currently home to the Minnesota Bearing Co., four buildings will be demolished to make way for the new "state-of-the-art healing environment that will incorporate natural elements," according to Washburn's news release.

Washburn's $21 million campaign for a new 50,000-square-foot facility is in response to the growing need for children's mental health services, according to Steve Lepinksi, the clinic's executive director. The number of children and families served since 2005 has increased 81 percent and is now at 2,500 children and 7,000 families annually.

Lepinski said one in five Minnesota children experience mental health obstacles, but only 20 percent get the help they need.

The center is currently located at 2430 Nicollet Ave. S. in Minneapolis, and has other clinics in Minnetonka and Brooklyn Park.

Janet Moore covers commercial real estate for the Star Tribune.