Design Program:
Byce & Associates, Inc. provided Architectural and Engineering Services for the Berrien County Jail Intake Renovation and Expansion in St. Joseph, Michigan. The project includes a 2,485 square foot addition to the vehicular sally port and renovation of approximately 24,210 square feet. The purpose of the project was to increase the capacity of the existing Intake Center and improve several support functions such as the kitchen, laundry, storage and staff areas, which extends the life of the existing jail ten years.
Employing the charrette planning system was essential to expedite the decision-making process. Through this process, we developed the goals for the project by encompassing an architectural program, a design concept, along with a project description that achieved the original goals and objectives of the client.
The renovation improved the intake capacity to 75 beds, 51 Male and 24 Female beds. Several “shared” spaces were strategically placed between the male and female intake areas including property storage, mug shot and fingerprint, classification office, medical and triage area. Three interview rooms were made available in the intake area and the arraignment court with an associated staging and holding space. For the ease of staff, the male and female booking counters were made adjacent, which also centralized the staffing support spaces including toilet rooms and access to the common and shared spaces. These layout specifics reduced the amount of congested traffic throughout the courthouse.
Project Partners:
- Frederick Construction
- Securitecture
- Byce & Associates, Inc.
Design Challenges:
The project was constructed in (3) sequential phases to allow the continued, uninterrupted operation of the Intake and Release Center during the construction of the project. The renovation design and sally-port addition provided flexibility for future growth of the building.
More information about the berrien county jail intake renovation and expansion:
- Berrien County Jail Renovation to Add 30 Years to Life-cycle – via Correctional News – October 5, 2016
