Kent County Juvenile Detention Center

The project involved replacing three existing housing units with seven new housing units, including a new 8-bed Special Housing Unit, increasing the total bed capacity of the facility from 69 to 98. The space program also includes a new Indoor Recreation Gym, new Medical Unit, new Central Control, additional Classrooms, Central Laundry, renovated Intake/Booking, renovated Staff Locker Rooms, and expanded Visitation Room. In addition, the project included relocation of treatment programs and juvenile court services into a renovated building located on the adjacent property, at 1565 Cedar Street.

The project used a highly collaborative Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) method with Granger Construction. Granger was brought on as the Construction Manager during the schematic design phase of the project and has been an integral partner throughout the entire project. The project budget and schedule were established at the onset the DLZ/Granger Team was able to successfully deliver the project under budget and prior to the targeted delivery date.

The design concepts incorporate concepts of space normalization through the use of natural light, colors, and normalized finishes and furnishings. Further, providing for flexible-use spaces the residents will experience a variety of spaces and activities throughout the course of the day, which further contributes to normalization and rehabilitation, with the ultimate goal being to reduce recidivism of offenders within the community. Kent County now has a facility that will be able to appropriately serve the needs of the community with regard to juvenile justice and juvenile treatment programs, with an appropriate level of security, safety, and flexibility.