Indiana Jail To Get $43 Million Makeover

Officials Tackle 50 Percent Increase in Inmate Population


NOBLESVILLE, Ind. — Hamilton County Corrections Center will undergo a $43 million makeover to expand jail programming and operations space.


In an effort to alleviate overcrowding and transfers, a new three-story community corrections building will house 200 beds. The $17 million center will provide 109,000 square feet of housing and classroom space with expanded substance abuse, educational and general development programming.


With the new community building due for completion in July 2009, the county plans to convert the existing community corrections annex, adjacent to the jail, into a minimum-security facility. The more than $1 million conversion, which is scheduled for completion in December 2009, will provide 125 beds.


The county’s inmate population has increased by almost 50 percent since 1999, according to a county study.


With a jail capacity of 292 beds, the average daily population during 2007 was 326 inmates, officials say.


The north side of the main jail building will undergo approximately $16 million in renovation and expansion work to increase the facility’s inmate-processing area and medical services and kitchen space. The facility redesign will provide separate lobbies for jail and administration visitors.


An approximately $7 million addition on the south side of the existing jail will house the county’s Emergency Management Agency and 911 dispatch center. The addition will also house office space and a $1.7 million services building for the sheriff’s department.
The expansion and redesign of the existing jail is due for phased completion between October 2008 and October 2009, officials say.