Hamilton County commissioners this week will officially accept a state grant to renovate space within the Justice Center, creating 92 treatment beds.The board applied for the grant in Nov. 2017 and was notified in May 2018 the project would be awarded $2.5 million.
The plan calls for repurposing spaces in the North and South buildings to create two treatment pods with dormitory-style living and sleeping space along with restroom and shower facilities. Also included in the plans are state-of-the-art guard posts and updated electrical and mechanical systems.
"It's set up like a dorm so that people can interact with one another," explains Commission President Denise Driehaus. "It's cheaper to staff and there's a lot of peer-to-peer support going on and a lot of other things going on because it's a supportive setting for people that are in recovery. That's what is so unique and special about this space."
Built to hold 875 people, the jail routinely houses more than 1,500. The idea behind the treatment pods is to open up more space for hardened criminals and get help to people dealing with addiction issues, with a goal of reducing recidivism rates.
Bidding on the project opens next month with construction slated to begin in May and wrap up by the end of the year.
