Lancaster County hears progress report on new detention center; project 42% complete, on budget

Chad Catledge updated Lancaster County Council on the county's detention center construction, reporting "roughly 42% complete" and progress across utilities, footings, tilt-wall pours and interior masonry.

Catledge told council the total project budget remains $90,000,000 and that construction costs to date are "just a little over $32,000,000," with soft costs (land, fees) of about $5.5 million — putting the project about $37,000,000 into its budget. He said the team is aiming to "top the building out" with exterior walls and roof structure by February and to reach substantial completion toward the end of the year, followed by owner training in late January.

Catledge described work underway in each quadrant of the building, utilities crossing Hammes Creek, and installation of tilt walls and CMU interior walls. He said electrical and plumbing subcontractors are concentrating in areas B and C while masonry work continues in area D.

Council members asked whether the project remains on budget and about opportunities for a site tour. Catledge said the project "is on budget" and recommended a tour once more roof work is in place, suggesting a timeframe of roughly the next month to March depending on weather and construction progress.

A council member thanked the contractor for progress photos and asked whether the county maintains recordings or a time-lapse for transparency; Catledge said progress video and periodic photos exist and will be compiled.

There was no formal action on the item; the presentation concluded with schedule and budget updates and council members' follow-up questions. The county will continue to receive periodic updates as construction advances.