Lawrence County, Missouri replaces its aging facility with a new detention center designed to meet modern needs. The jail includes 120 beds along with an attached Sheriff’s Office, all delivered within a tightly managed budget. Elevatus architects customize a prototype jail design, incorporating several key cost-saving measures.
The housing area consists of eight dayrooms and an indoor-outdoor recreation area arranged around a central control room, allowing full sight lines into each pod. Six two-tiered dayrooms contain 104 beds in secure cells, while two single-level dayrooms provide 16 dorm-style beds—an economical alternative. For added savings, modular cells are prefabricated off-site and built to precise project specifications.
The facility’s structural frame uses a pre-engineered metal building system, offering a cost-effective solution compared to traditional post-and-beam construction.
Inside, the housing area features a rear chase design, giving staff secure access to mechanical and plumbing systems behind the cells. A state-of-the-art water management system controls water flow to mitigate intentional flooding.
The Sheriff’s Office is tailored to departmental operations and includes a large multipurpose room, a secure evidence room, office spaces, interview rooms, and a video visitation center.
The facility is also designed for the future, with space for potential expansions of both housing and office areas. The kitchen and laundry facilities are sized to accommodate increased capacity if needed.
