Jacksonville Receives Proposal for New Jail Facility

Architectural rendering of the proposed new jail facility in Jacksonville

News Summary

Jacksonville has been presented with an unsolicited proposal from HOK, Ajax Building Co., and Sustainability Partners to construct a new jail facility in Duval County. This initiative aims to replace the outdated John E. Goode Pre-trial Detention Facility, which has been plagued by severe operational issues for over 30 years. The proposed plan suggests relocating the jail to a campus-style facility away from Downtown Jacksonville, integrating comprehensive health and mental health services for inmates, with costs potentially exceeding $1 billion.

Jacksonville has officially received an unsolicited proposal from a trio of private companies for the construction of a new jail facility in Duval County. This announcement, made by the city’s chief communications officer, Phil Perry, on May 8, comes after the proposal was submitted on March 19 by HOK, Ajax Building Co., and Sustainability Partners. The proposed initiative aims to replace the aging John E. Goode Pre-trial Detention Facility, which has faced numerous operational challenges.

The current jail, established over 30 years ago, is attributed to a multitude of problems including chronic overcrowding, staffing shortages, and infrastructural decay. Recent reports from a special Jacksonville City Council committee highlighted severe issues such as mold, plumbing leaks, HVAC system failures, and power outages. Despite an expenditure exceeding $12 million on maintenance in the last five years, the facility continues to struggle with deteriorating conditions.

As part of the proposed plan, the committee recommended closing the existing jail and constructing a new, campus-style facility situated away from Downtown Jacksonville. This new facility is anticipated to incorporate on-site health and mental health treatment services, emphasizing the need for comprehensive inmate rehabilitation. The estimated cost of this significant undertaking could surpass $1 billion, making it one of the largest projects in Jacksonville’s history.

The firms involved in the proposal bring a wealth of experience to the table. HOK Architects is familiar with Jacksonville, having previously redesigned EverBank Stadium for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Ajax Building Co., recognized as No. 16 among Northeast Florida’s top 25 contractors, has an extensive record of construction projects in the region. Sustainability Partners, a firm specializing in innovative funding strategies for governmental projects, aims to facilitate the financial aspects needed for the new facility.

The prospective relocation of the Duval County jail may also influence ongoing and future development projects in the area. The site of the current jail has been suggested for potential redevelopment into a new convention center, a project that the Downtown Investment Authority has deemed beneficial due to its central location. The current Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center is part of a broader proposal for a new graduate school campus by the University of Florida, which may necessitate the demolition of older sections of the convention facility.

A provision in the redevelopment resolution mandates that the convention center cannot be closed until five years after the agreement comes into effect, ensuring its continued operation while a new facility is being developed. Additionally, to foster competitive bids, a 45-day open competition period will be initiated, allowing more companies to contribute proposals for the jail construction.

The urgency to replace the existing jail has gained prominence in light of recent incidents, including the tragic death of inmate Charles Faggart in April. Mayor Donna Deegan has expressed the necessity of a new facility, particularly highlighting the importance of on-site mental health resources for inmates. Councilman Ron Salem has reiterated the value of collecting multiple bids to ensure the most favorable deal for the city, recognizing this as a pivotal project for Jacksonville.

Public sentiment has demonstrated a desire for the new jail not merely to serve as an incarceration facility but also to prioritize rehabilitation and support initiatives for inmates. Addressing these community concerns could be critical as the city moves forward with the proposal and explores its options for improving the criminal justice infrastructure.