Commissioners approve schematic-design work for detention facility improvements, aim to move to schematic estimate
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Summary
The Board authorized the design-build team to proceed to schematic design and produce a schematic budget estimate for a phased detention-center improvement project that would add intake space, expand female beds and renovate booking and administrative areas, funded in part by a $10 million state appropriation.
Rutherford County commissioners authorized the county’s design-build team on June 2 to proceed from conceptual planning to schematic design and a schematic estimate for Phase 1 of a detention-facility improvement project.
The design-build team said the project is being scoped to stay within an $8 million construction cap tied to state legislative funds; the county earlier received a $10 million state appropriation for detention improvements, $2 million of which has been reserved for equipment and other items. The conceptual plan presented to the board would add roughly 2,600 square feet of new intake and 4,100 square feet of renovation, increase female bed capacity by about 15 beds and improve booking, property-storage and magistrate areas.
The design-build team (Vannoy/Haney construction and Mosley architects) said the work is being phased to keep the existing facility operational during construction. Phase 1 ("enabling") would create a temporary secure entrance to allow subsequent construction on the main booking area. Phase 2A covers the addition and renovation of the sheriff’s office space; Phase 2B completes the improved booking, property-storage and dress/change rooms. The team recommended contingencies for design-level uncertainty and for escalation and tariff risk for work that will be bid later next year.
County staff reminded the board that the original state appropriation required project completion in a short window; they explained legislators pushed the deadline to June 2026 but said the county must show active progress and could seek further extensions as warranted. The board voted to authorize continued schematic design and to have the team return with a schematic design and a revised budget estimate for the September meeting.
Sheriff’s office and staff pointed to operational priorities the project addresses: safer magistrate and booking spaces, improved property storage, better separation/observation areas for inmates with mental-health or substance-use needs, and upgraded sally-port and shower-exhaust systems.
