Pre-Bond Services & New Detention Facility

Treanor Architects was retained by Brown County, Kan., in 2008 to provide bond support for a jail project that would replace the county’s current 85-year-old jail.

In Nov. 2008, the bond issue passed to construct a 41-bed facility that is slated for completion in 2010. The current Brown County Jail was built in 1924 and originally also held the sheriff’s residence. In the 1980s the facility was added onto to increase the capacity to 31 inmates and the residential portion of the facility was converted into sheriff’s offices.

The county approached Treanor after it became clear that population growth has surpassed what the county jail could accommodate. Outdate facilities prevented officers from adequately supervising inmates. The current facility has no control room, which prevents this supervision. Because of this issue, officer safety has become a primary concern. Officers are forced to navigate narrow corridors and must be cautious when handling in mates because of blind spots created by the original design. The mechanical plumbing and electrical systems are nearing 90 years old and pose fire and safety hazards that are not easily fixed. The existing building has clearly gone beyond its life span and studies to renovate the current jail proved to be more costly than new.

Treanor’s plan addresses all of the aforementioned problems with a very tight plan designed to house 41 inmates. Proper office, evidence, storage and basement shelter have been incorporated into the plans. The new plan is designed for direct inmate supervision, with a focus on officer and inmate safety and security. The project cost will be funded from a one-half cent countywide sales tax.