Anderson County plans to build a new $83 million detention center to be able to house 650

Editor's Note: The story's headline was updated to correct the number of inmates that will be housed at the new detention center.

On Tuesday, Anderson County Council approved $83 million to build a detention center .

"We have paid off a lot of bond debt that the county owed, and we're just replacing that old debt with new debt for this project," Anderson County Town Administrator Rusty Burns said.

The new state-of-the-art detention center will meet the increasing demands of the county's justice system and provide a safer and more efficient environment for inmates and staff.

The detention center will be constructed on the same property, ensuring a seamless operation transition. Once completed, inmates will be moved into the new facility, minimizing routine disruption. As construction nears completion, more demolition will be performed. This approach aims to maintain security and efficiency throughout the process.

Burns said the newest part of the old jail will be turned into a juvenile facility for Anderson County and all surrounding counties.

"We will receive a large paycheck from the federal government for housing those juveniles," he said.

Another part of the project involves hiring two psychologists to work in the jail with inmates.

Why is a new Detention Center needed?

The current Anderson County Detention Center was built in the 1950s with a capacity of 450.

"Yesterday, we only had four out of 400 beds available in the jail," Burns said. "It’s important to note that 80% of the inmates in jail have not yet been to court. The new detention center will also be constructed to accommodate federal prisoners."

"South Carolina has only one juvenile detention center, located in Columbia," Burns said. "If two of our deputies have to take a juvenile to the detention center in Columbia for processing and then return, they will be unavailable for the entire day.

"Not only are we building it now, but we're constructing it for the future," Burns said. "Some things will be enlarged in case, 20 years down the road, they have to upgrade it."

Project Plans, inmate capacity, and other features

According to project plans, the new facility will accommodate 650 inmates . Supporting spaces such as a Vehicular Sallyport, intake and booking area, property storage, medical facilities, kitchen, laundry, administration offices, storage, and public lobby will also be included.

The project plans demand specific expertise in the construction of detention facilities. This includes additional security and safety measures and knowledge of relevant federal laws and regulations.

According to the project plans , here is a list of companies assisting with the construction and design phases.

Construction and design phases

Although construction of the planned prison has not started yet, preparations are well underway. Burns expressed that the project is being planned to accommodate future growth and changes in the county's needs.

John Fox of Anderson County Roads and Bridges is the project manager. He has been with Anderson County Roads and Bridges for several years and has experience in private construction.

Vannoy Construction will handle general contracting and construction management for the new detention center.

ECS Southeast will complete the project's initial and supplemental subsurface explorations and geotechnical engineering analyses. Moseley Architects will do the architectural work for the new detention center, ensuring that the design meets modern standards for safety and efficiency.

Land Planning Associates , a civil consultant based in Easley, will perform the necessary land planning and site development studies. Foodesign Associates of Charlotte, North Carolina, a food and laundry service consultant, will analyze the facility's dietary and laundry needs to ensure the center will have state-of-the-art kitchens and laundry areas.

Photographer Ken Ruinard contributed to this article

Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@gannett.com .

This article originally appeared on Anderson Independent Mail: Anderson County plans to build a new $83 million detention center to be able to house 650