Architects present predesign for juvenile psychiatric residential treatment facility and new non-secure center; county to seek state funding

Clay County received a predesign update on Jan. 28 proposing conversion of existing juvenile center space for a psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF) and construction of a new non-secure juvenile center to replace the displaced services.

Ryan Webber of Kline McCarthy Architects told commissioners the project team evaluated remodel and new-build alternatives and concluded the first floor of the current juvenile center “was perfect for a PRTF.” That shift requires a new location for the non-secure program. The architect presented a concept for a new, two-story non-secure facility with approximately 32,800 square feet and 40 beds (five housing pods), sited on the northwest corner of the county campus near the law enforcement center.

Webber said the design emphasizes a residential character rather than an institutional appearance, with gabled roofs, siding and natural light. The program includes classrooms, therapy and program spaces, an indoor recreation room and a garage bay for secure vehicle intake. The proposed non-secure facility would use wood construction (lower-cost, residential character), while the PRTF remodel would retain more durable construction required for that program.

On financing, the committee used professional cost estimates and recommended asking the state for full funding with escalation. The report lists a recommended project ask of $26,349,330 (the estimate reflects 2026 start-date escalation and soft costs; the committee recommended including escalation in the state request). Webber and staff noted some cost items—particularly B3/energy and carbon-neutral requirements—drive up cost and that the committee increased the B3 allowance in the report from $500,000 to $1,000,000 to provide a cushion for those requirements.

Quinn (social-services staff present at the meeting) explained that relocating the non-secure center off the juvenile-detention address could restore eligibility for Qualified Residential Treatment Program (QRTP) dollars that the county lost after prior licensing changes. Quinn estimated QRTP eligibility could yield roughly $250,000–$500,000 annually depending on client mix, which would offset operating costs.

Commissioners discussed phasing, possible state funding timelines and the importance of showing county partnership (for example, donated site, local grants or provider commitments). Commissioner Mogio (committee lead) summarized that the consolidated proposal provides more regional capacity and is less expensive than building a standalone PRTF while also expanding non-secure capacity from current levels. Commissioners asked for a final draft of the predesign to forward to the legislature; staff indicated they would provide the updated report to commissioners and to legislative contacts.

No formal funding vote occurred at the Jan. 28 meeting; the presentation was an informational predesign update and the board authorized staff to share the refined report with state contacts and the legislature as part of a funding request process.