Falkenburg Road Jail was built in 1998 and expanded in 2003, and has a capacity of 2,304.  In the fist phase of construction (768 beds in 1998), the walls were poured on site, then tilted up.  In the second phase (1,536 in 2003), walls were pre-cast off-site.  This resulted in smaller wall panels and more joints, but harder, stronger concrete than the tilt-up method.

The facility is characterized by its standard direct supervision dormitory design.  It has the economy of prison construction - - - inexpensive, free-standing buildings inside a large double-fenced compound - - - and the operation of a jail by compressing the buildings (i.e. “pods”) close together and eliminating the typical prison yard.  The pods are connected by exterior walkways, which do not have to be heated or air conditioned.  Pods are one story; they have no mezzanine level.  Ceilings are high and capped by clerestory lighting;  a small roof with vertical windows sits atop the main roof, similar to old-time factory designs (photo 2).

Walls are 10-inch thick pre-cast concrete and roofs are standing seam metal.  Each pod has three video visitation stations and a secure recreation yard.  Open-faced sleeping cubicles holding four inmates each are located around the perimeter of the pod.  Most fixtures and furnishings do not require “dentention grade” materials.

Howard & Associates Architects and Planners PC (Architect of Record) developed the construction documents for the project.  As Project Manager for the second phase of design and expansion, I was tasked with field survey work and directing four intern architects through schematics and design development drawings. 

Subsequent new construction in a correctional facility that remained operational throughout presented the challenge of maintaining existing utilities and power security systems while tying in new service.

The electric engineer and electrical subcontractor played vital roles in coordinating the extensive underground conduit system that connects new buildings to the systems already in place.  The project also included renovations to the food-service areas of nearby Orient Road Jail.  (Stock photos)