Integrating Architecture and Agencies

• NCJ Number: 169443
• Journal: Juvenile Offender Volume: 1 Issue: 3 Dated: (July/August 1997) Pages: 14-16
• Author(s): W G Porter
• Date Published: 1997
• Length: 3 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This article describes the objectives achieved through interagency cooperation with an architectural firm in developing building and renovation plans for Virginia juvenile correctional facilities.

Abstract

The Virginia Department of Juvenile justice needed to modernize and expand its Beaumont Correctional Center, located 30 miles west of Richmond. Henrico, Goochland, and Powhatan Counties, all in the Richmond/Beaumont area, needed new detention facilities for their juvenile court systems, as well as places to build them. Solutions for both the State and local jurisdictions were developed, each involving key intergovernmental cooperation that helped provide facilities that are models for the State. The process of finding answers for the State began in 1993 with the selection of HSMM, an architectural, engineering, and planning firm, to assist the Department of Juvenile Justice in developing a master plan for the modernization at Beaumont. Integrating architecture, planning, and engineering with modern security design was a major part of the solution, but equally as critical was the successful negotiation of complexities with interconnected but independent government agencies. Further, HSMM developed a phased construction schedule that facilitated the modernization process during normal operations; the integrity of the center's security was maintained during construction. The Henrico-Goochland-Powhatan County Detention Facility is a separate entity from the State-operated Beaumont facilities. In searching for a site to build the unit, county officials encountered vigorous community objections at several proposed locations. With guidance and assistance from the Department of Juvenile Justice, a proposal was made to purchase excess land from the State adjacent to the Beaumont Correctional Center. The three counties formed a regional group to work with the State and the architect. In upgrading the support services infrastructure, the State and counties realized savings through cooperative agreements.