New Georgetown County Detention Center
Project Summary
Rendering by Moseley Architects. The County’s existing detention center, originally constructed in 1996, no longer met the capacity, safety, or operational requirements of a modern correctional facility. To address these challenges, the County partnered with M. B. Kahn as Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) to deliver a new, state-of-the-art detention center designed for expanded capacity, enhanced security, and improved operational efficiency.
Engaged early during the detention center design phase alongside the project architect, Moseley, M. B. Kahn’s preconstruction team provided real-time cost estimating, budget validation, and value engineering solutions. This early collaboration ensured the project remained aligned with budget goals while incorporating the latest standards in correctional facility design and construction.
The new detention center includes 256 beds, with dedicated housing for female inmates (51 beds), as well as a fully equipped medical unit designed to support inmate healthcare needs. Advanced safety features include negative-pressure medical isolation cells, helping prevent the spread of illness, and separate housing pods for male and female detainees to enhance security and classification.
To further improve inmate management and reduce risk, the facility incorporates individual secured recreation yards for each housing unit. A secure booking and intake area streamlines admissions and releases while maintaining clear separation between public, administrative, and secure zones.
The safe, secure site design also includes multiple specialized support facilities:
A 3,205 SF morgue building
A 4,535 SF training facility for the Sheriff’s re-entry program
A dedicated Coroner’s Office
A law enforcement armory for training and readiness
The Sheriff’s Reentry Program facility supports inmate rehabilitation by providing job training and life skills, reinforcing the County’s commitment to reducing recidivism through modern correctional practices.
Despite industry-wide increases in material and labor costs, the project remained financially on track through proactive cost management and early-phase planning—demonstrating the effectiveness of the CMAR delivery method for complex detention center construction projects.
