Mortenson Construction was selected as the CM at Risk for the new Kane County Adult Justice Center as well as the core and shell of the Sheriff’s Office addition. The new 236,000 square foot facility accommodates 640 beds and contains undeveloped shell space reserved for future use—this addition will provide an additional 128 beds.

The north housing tower contains 96 precast, prefabricated, double-cell modules while the south housing tower contains 32 dormitory-style units constructed of independent precast concrete panels. Both housing units have access to the MEP systems, which provide service via a maintenance corridor behind the cells for the increased security and safety of the County employees. The support services area of the building includes spaces for inmate intake and processing, property storage, a medical infirmary, a full-service kitchen, and laundry, as well as staff offices, training, locker rooms, and a dining area.

Located in a predominately residential neighborhood, security was of the utmost importance to the County. Precautions were taken every step of the way to ensure proper placement of each building component. Rigorous testing of the mechanical, access control and surveillance systems were also diligently executed.

In an effort to expedite the project schedule, each cell arrived on-site fully painted, outfitted with detention equipment and furnishings, and plumbed. The cells were wired on-site and erected in only 6 days. Additional measures were taken to ensure the project would be completed on-time and on-budget, including schedule maximization, budget awareness, and other prefabrication efforts. As a result, the project was able to come in $2 million under budget.