McCarthy Completes Fast-Track Expansions

TEMPE, Ariz. -McCarthy Building Cos. recently completed prison expansions for the state of Arizona. The project consisted of eight pre-engineered metal Butler Buildings, pre-engineered by McCarthy’s partners at Butler Manufacturing Co., and erected simultaneously at each of the three sites.

The fast-track project took place over a six-month period at three prison sites in Perryville, Tucson and Douglas. Equipped with a sophisticated satellite communications system facilitating networking among three job sites, McCarthy project managers say they met the aggressive timetable without requiring telecommunications infrastructure such as phone systems and network cabling – activities that typically take a significant amount of time during the pre-construction phase.

Use of McCarthy's Alternative Project Delivery Method – whereby the construction manager was able to participate early in the project design, cost and scheduling – resulted in a $13 million in savings, the company says.

Construction began in June 2004 and was completed in December. The construction team included Arrington Watkins Architects of Phoenix. The expansions provide 200 beds for low custody male inmates at the Eggers Unit at Douglas; 300 beds for low custody male inmates at Catalina Unit at Tucson; 200 beds facility for low custody female inmates at the Piestawa Unit at Perryville; 300 beds for low custody male inmates at Perryville's Santa Rosa Unit.

The $24 million project provided identical low-custody additions at the three prison sites, and helps achieve the Arizona DOC's rehabilitation program. The “Parallel Universe” model – a successful program in Missouri championed by Arizona DOC Director Dora Schriro – promotes an environment that resembles life outside the prison walls. Inmates acquire values, habits and skills. Prisoners will work and participate in basic educational and vocational training, contributing to the restitution of their victims.

The additional facilities provide housing for inmates who are within two years of release, with direct supervision of inmates who will work full-time while incarcerated, many performing community service for state and local agencies. The open and interactive format of the Parallel Universe model enables a better transition as inmates near discharge, and helps reduce recidivism rates.