Architect outlines modular 182‑bed design, says plan is expandable

John Eiselau, the principal in charge for the architectural firm on the project, walked commissioners and the public through the design rationale for the 182‑bed schematic.

Eiselau said the design organizes housing in modular 16‑person units to support inmate classification and flexibility: "The housing units themselves ... are sized for, 16 individuals in a unit" and are configured so units can be added or removed over time to adapt to future needs. He described the building as a single‑level, CMU block facility with a full smoke control and sprinkler system, a small medical area (about four beds), and a program layout intended to make later expansion straightforward.

Eiselau and commissioners discussed alternative configurations: stacking the program on multiple floors to fit the downtown site is technically possible but requires a detailed study of vertical circulation and staffing implications. He said borings and soils work (19 borings) showed the Smith Road site is suitable for spread footings and that civil engineers are coordinating utilities and other constraints.

During Q&A, the architect emphasized the tradeoffs between single‑story horizontal plans (less complex to operate) and multistory stacked designs (smaller footprint but potential additional staffing and elevator needs). He urged commissioners to consider operational needs and future expandability when choosing site and configuration.