MCI Concord now officially closed

MILFORD, Mass. (WWLP)– The state’s oldest medium-security men’s correctional facility has now closed.

The Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) has announced that housing operations at MCI-Concord have ceased. The closing is expected to save the state nearly $16 million.

Built in 1878, the state made the decision to close the facility due to rising costs of maintenance and investments for upgrades and repairs.

The state sees the closing as a win for the state, reflecting DOC’s efforts to improve operational efficiency, implementing cost-saving solutions, and investing in programming and services to reduce recidivism and improve inmate transitional opportunities after incarceration.

The incarcerated persons prior to closing were transferred to other facilities based on rehabilitative needs. Employees were reassigned to other positions within the DOC system.

The property consists of 37 acres and 18 buildings. The state legislature must approve the closing and disposing of the property, which is proposed in the FY25 budget. If approved, DOC plans to transfer the property to the state’s Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), allowing the property to be redeveloped for non-correctional purposes. DOC will continue maintaining and inspecting the property until the future use is planned.

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