Location: Clinton, Missouri
Year Completed: 2010
Size: 29,000 SF | 112-Beds
Awards and Publications: Design Cost Data Magazine – January/February 2012 Edition

HMN Architects was hired to design a new, 112-bed detention center for Henry County, Missouri. The 29,000 SF facility includes work release, a kitchen, training room and the law enforcement center. The building has expansion capabilities giving the county the option to add courtrooms and necessary support services in the future.

In addition to designing the detention center, HMN was originally retained by the county to assist the citizens’ jail committee in assessing the need for a new jail. After the need had been established, HMN aided the county in site selection, choosing an underutilized commercial site located near the historic courthouse. Later, our team helped with the bond referendum process by providing information concerning design, cost estimates, graphics for Q&A handouts, and making appearances at public hearings.

The county commission used the innovative approach of dividing the bond referendum into three separate votes: a detention center, justice center and 911 expansion. The detention center proved popular, easily passing, while the justice center and 911 expansion did not. This allowed the much need detention center project to move forward.

HMN’s design team faced challenges relating to the site’s size. After reviewing the area needs, operational philosophy and staffing requirements, the team determined a single, enclosed control area would best meet the county’s security needs. They also placed the security electronics and mechanical equipment above central control to ensure secure access and provide adequate space for the necessary jail components.