Redevelopment commission reviews feasibility study to turn former county jail into mixed-use 'Hub'

At its Jan. 14 meeting, the Clemency City Redevelopment Commission heard a feasibility presentation from Jeff Schroeder of Mill Park Group on a concept to reuse the former Miller County Jail as a mixed-use “Hub” that would house the city police department, indoor family play amenities, incubator retail and community space.

Why it matters: the building sits on the downtown square and would give the police a consolidated headquarters and training space while adding year-round programming and retail that could help downtown foot traffic in winter months.

Schroeder said the study shows the building is ‘‘feasible’’ as a multiuse center and described the concept as ‘‘for right now, we’re calling it the hub.’’ He presented an overlay of existing floorplates and a range of programming: a public corridor and display areas for local art; retail or incubator suites; a family-oriented indoor play zone with rentable party rooms and a sensory room; office/incubator co-working space; and a larger training room in the lower level that could include a MILO training range for police.

The study estimates the facility would total about ‘‘50,000 square feet’’ across the first and lower levels, according to Schroeder. The consultant noted the lower level already contains portions of the police operation that could be adapted for evidence storage, an indoor range and squad work areas, and that a phased move of police functions could minimize disruption.

City staff said the property transfer from the county is set in the agreement for March 1, 2025, though the staff speaker said additional time could be negotiated if county finishing work causes a delay. The staff speaker also said the city has engaged financial adviser Baker Tilly to examine bonding and the redevelopment fund as long-term financing options for construction, and that the city is targeting a construction window around 2026–27 with an optimistic opening in summer 2027 if funding and approvals proceed.

On building condition, the consultant reported generally good documentation and maintenance: portions of the roof were replaced in 2018, the chiller was replaced in about 2017–18, and the boiler plant is serviceable. Some original air handlers and the pneumatic control systems remain and were identified as items likely to require phased upgrades during renovation. Schroeder said the structure is robust and that heavy demolition would be required in portions of the interior to create the proposed public spaces.

The commission discussed programming, potential revenue from added commercial space, and whether to include a residential component on the roof; Schroeder and staff cautioned that adding housing changes tax and bonding considerations and that bedrooms must meet windowing and egress rules.

No formal decisions or funding commitments were made at the meeting. Staff and the consultant said the next steps are to finish a cost model and a final report, and to continue financial analysis with Baker Tilly before presenting firm budget requests to the city council.