Benton County has begun a $21 million renovation of its juvenile justice center, marking the facility’s first major update in 30 years. The center, located at 5606 W. Canal Drive, is set to undergo a transformative overhaul to improve its structure and operations, according to county officials.
The project, which started in December, will include significant changes to the building’s layout. The current housing pods on the west side, visible from Canal Drive, will be demolished.
In their place, new pods will be constructed on the north side of the facility. Additionally, part of the gym building will be removed to create a secure, enclosed courtyard. Officials expect the first phase of construction to be completed by late 2025.
Years in the Planning
The renovation follows years of analysis, planning, and discussions about the future of the facility. At one point, Benton County considered constructing a brand-new juvenile center next to the Justice Center and administration building on Okanogan Avenue. However, renovating the existing structure was deemed more practical and cost-effective.
“This project has been long overdue to bring the juvenile justice center up to modern standards,” said Riley Ollero, Benton County’s construction manager. “We’re excited to get this one started.”
The current facility, built in 1979, received its last major update in 1996, which increased capacity to 40 youth. However, as the years passed, the building’s infrastructure aged, and advancements in juvenile rehabilitation practices outpaced its outdated systems.
Funding the Renovation
Benton County is utilizing various funding sources to finance the project. This includes $10 million from the county’s remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, which the federal government distributed as part of COVID-19 relief efforts.
Franklin County has also played a role in the financial plan. In exchange for fully funding the renovation, Franklin County relinquished its ownership and interest in the facility. Instead, Franklin County now pays Benton County nearly $213,000 per month to house its detained youth at the center.
Enhancements to Facilities and Operations
The renovation project is designed to enhance security, functionality, and living conditions for detained youth. Improvements will include upgraded security systems, advanced access controls, and modernized heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Construction will be carried out in phases to avoid disrupting operations. The new housing pods will be completed before the existing ones are demolished, ensuring that youth will not need to be relocated off-site during the project. The gym will remain partially intact to provide recreational space, even as part of it is repurposed for the courtyard.
The redesigned pods will offer more flexibility for future needs. While the facility’s capacity is not being expanded, the new pods can accommodate up to 16 youth each if double-occupancy rooms are implemented. Additionally, space has been allocated for the potential construction of an additional housing pod if required in the future.
A Vision for the Future
The renovation reflects Benton County’s commitment to modernizing its juvenile justice system while maintaining a focus on the rehabilitation and well-being of the youth it serves. Design West is overseeing the project’s design, while Chervenell Construction has been contracted to build it.
“This renovation allows us to continue serving youth effectively while meeting current standards,” said Ollero. “It’s a step forward for the facility and the community.”
The updated facility is expected to improve not only the infrastructure but also the overall environment for staff and youth, ensuring a safer and more supportive space for rehabilitation.
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