Law Enforcement Center and Sheriff’s Administration Facility, Elkhart

DLZ prepared a Master Plan for a new correctional complex in Elkhart County, Indiana. Phase I of the Master Plan included the design and construction of a core services building and a maintenance building. Additionally, it had a minimum-medium custody unit, a maximum custody jail unit, and a central utility power plant. As Phase I neared completion, DLZ teamed with Casteel Construction of South Bend, Indiana, to win a competitive Design/Build proposal process. They planned to design and construct Phase II of the Master Plan: a Law Enforcement Center and Sheriff’s Administration Facility.

DLZ provided all architectural and engineering design services for the new LECSAF, including programming, design, bidding, and construction administrative services. The Law Enforcement Center and Sheriff’s Administration Facility is located at the southeast corner of the correctional complex. It is approximately 40,000 square feet, which cover two-floor levels. The facility aligns with the overall campus master plan and takes advantage of existing topographic conditions. Hence, reinforcing both the public and secure nature of the facility. The program includes administration, records, detective’s bureau, patrol division, crime lab, evidence processing, training, and storage. Construction consisted of a concrete foundation, a 2-story structural steel frame, metal stud partitions, and a masonry exterior.