Richmond Justice Center

The Richmond Justice Center was a project more than 20 years in the making. Replacing a facility built in the 1960’s that was approximately half the size of the new center. Through a Joint Venture agreement, the Turner/Ballardteam was able to successfully build the new Richmond City Justice Center Center adjacent to the existing jail, which remained operational during construction.

The existing jail was demolished following completion of the new structure to allow for additional parking and landscaping.

BUILDING FUNCTION
The project consisted of approximately 412,000 SF of new space including six (6) floors and 1,032 beds. Inmates that were previously housed in a communal enclosure surrounded by bars (sometimes up to 150 occupants at a time) are now housed in pods containing no more than 45 individual cells. These pods contain a day room, eating facilities and an exercise room, eliminating the need for inmate transport throughout the facility and providing a more secure environment for residents and staff.

BUILDING SYSTEMS
The project included precast structure and skin, deep foundations, extensive site work, and landscaping, HVAC as well as a state of the art security. The new Justice Center offers air-conditioned spaces for inmates and staff, medical and dental clinics and dedicated staff accommodations, including locker rooms, a fitness area and dining areas — all features that were lacking in the prior facility.