Jackson County Detention Center

Jackson County engaged CGL as the Owner’s Representative to lead the planning and delivery of a new detention facility to replace the existing Jackson County Detention Center. CGL began by validating the County’s previous studies and conducting a comprehensive needs assessment to confirm facility condition issues and long-term capacity requirements for the justice system. This assessment informed the programming effort, where operational and architectural needs were
defined based on current challenges and projected population trends.

The design of the new facility represents a modern, evidence-based approach to detention that prioritizes safety, efficiency, and rehabilitation. The 1,000-bed, 450,000 SF facility is organized around “hub” housing units designed to support direct supervision and normalized environments. Each housing unit features dayrooms with natural light, calming color palettes, and acoustic treatments that reduce stress for both staff and inmates. Specialized housing areas accommodate medical, mental health, and geriatric populations, while an on-site courtroom and medical clinic allow most daily functions to occur within the secure perimeter. Together, these design strategies streamline operations, minimize inmate movement, and support the County’s commitment to a safer and more humane correctional environment.

Following completion of construction, CGL led a comprehensive Transition and Activation program to prepare the County for occupancy and operations. Working closely with County Administration, Public Works, Court Services, and the Sheriff’s Office, CGL coordinated operational readiness activities including policy and procedure development, staff training, move management, and systems integration. Through this structured process, the County successfully transitioned into the new facility with systems, staff, and operational workflows fully prepared to support day-one operations.