June 4, 2025

Jacksonville Moves Forward with New Jail Complex Plans

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News Summary

Jacksonville is advancing plans for a new $1 billion jail complex on the Northside, moving away from downtown locations. Following rejection of an unsolicited proposal, the city will conduct a feasibility study and seek new proposals, focusing on incorporating mental health services. The project aims to modernize correctional facilities while addressing community concerns about the expansion of incarceration.

Jacksonville is moving forward with plans to construct a new jail complex, with an estimated cost of $1 billion, located on city-owned land on the Northside off Lannie Road. This decision follows the rejection of an unsolicited proposal from a coalition of three firms who initially expressed interest in the project. The city government has decided to conduct a feasibility study and solicit additional proposals in an effort to find the best solution for the facility’s location and design.

The proposed site aligns with the city’s prior identification of the Montgomery Correctional Center area for a new jail facility, indicating a shift in focus away from a downtown location, which the city has ruled out. The new jail will need to accommodate a dormitory-style layout and future expansions, emphasizing the need for adequate space. Currently, the next step will involve hiring a firm to assist in assessing potential facilities and site selection criteria.

The city’s planning and development efforts are spearheaded by Mayor Donna Deegan‘s office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the city’s procurement division. In the coming month, they will release a request for proposals to attract interested parties for the project. City Council member Will Lahnen will oversee this initiative, working to ensure that community transparency and public feedback are integral to the planning process.

In reviewing future proposals, the city acknowledges prior recommendations from a City Council committee suggesting that the new facility should incorporate mental health and infirmary services. This focus addresses the increasing acknowledgment of the role mental health plays in the justice system and aims to create a more rehabilitative environment for inmates.

The originally proposed public-private partnership consisted of firms including Sustainability Partners, Ajax Building Company, and HOK. The consortium’s proposal, submitted on March 19, underscored their capabilities in financing public buildings, technology integration, and design. HOK’s specialization in jail design includes a focus on therapeutic environments, while Ajax’s expertise stems from successful past projects within the Duval County school system.

Despite the momentum toward a new jail, there remains community opposition to the proposed relocation. Some local activists argue that funding should prioritize education and community services rather than expanding incarceration capacities. A recent survey conducted by the University of North Florida revealed that 52% of respondents support the construction of a new jail outside the downtown area, suggesting a division in public opinion.

As the city navigates these complex issues, it aims to engage with various stakeholders to ensure that the new jail facility will meet community needs while adhering to principles of fiscal responsibility. The jail project is part of an overarching strategy to transfer employees from an aging police administration building and find sustainable solutions to modernize Jacksonville’s correctional facilities.

Overall, the city’s commitment to conducting a comprehensive review and advocating for community involvement in the process is evident as it seeks to develop a plan that thoroughly addresses the future needs of Jacksonville’s law enforcement and correctional systems.