Consultants say modular cells from former CoreCivic site could cut jail build cost by about $3.5–4 million

Buddy Johns, president of Modcorp, told the Adams County Board of Supervisors that modular jail cells remaining in a field behind the county’s correctional facility are largely reusable and that refurbishing them could substantially lower the cost of a new jail or justice center.

Johns said he and his engineers inspected the cells and met with CoreCivic and DLR, the architecture and engineering firm that designed the original Adams County Correctional Facility. He said some cells show rust and spalling and would require metal repair, cleaning and painting, but that enough cells appear serviceable to meet the county’s needs.

"Typically, right now, in today's market, it would cost somewhere between $40,000 and $45,000 per cell to make those brand new in today's market," Johns said. "We believe that it would cost approximately $12,000 to $15,000 per cell to get those back to the same standard. If you were to need and use 30 to 35 of those cells... it's basically a $3.5 to $4,000,000 net savings to reuse those."

Why it matters: The board is considering options to replace an aging 1975-era jail facility. Reusing existing modular cells could shrink the county's construction budget and reduce procurement lead time if the units are structurally sound and meet current standards.

What consultants proposed: Johns said DLR produced an early program estimate that a jail or justice center sized to use the on-site cells would be roughly 70,000 to 90,000 square feet. Johns said he is evaluating the program and intends to deliver two items within about 30–45 days: schematic footprints showing how the existing cells would be incorporated, and a preliminary budget comparing new construction to reuse of the cells.

Board response and next steps: Supervisors asked about funding options, including potential federal assistance and a bond if other funding is not available. Johns told the board he would narrow the DLR program to make the proposal more feasible and would return with more precise cost estimates and schematic drawings. No formal vote or commitment was taken; Johns said he would follow up and provide the board with the materials he described.

Context and limits: Johns and the board discussed the condition of the existing cells and the need for engineering verification. Johns and DLR conducted a preliminary review and concluded reuse is feasible, but Johns emphasized that individual cells may require cutting out rusted metal and other repairs before they can be certified for use. The board did not authorize a purchase or construction contract at the meeting.

Ending: The county expects to receive the schematic program and preliminary budget from Johns and DLR in roughly 30–45 days, at which point the board may take additional steps, including more detailed cost analysis, site engineering and discussions of funding sources.