Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail Expansion & Renovations, Charlottesville, VA

Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail • Charlottesville, VA

This extensive 194,000 SF expansion and renovations of the existing, functioning Jail required full services and the need to provide review and definition of the Needs Analysis and Programming of space requirements, Master Planning for future expansion and site utilization, the integration of a new Medical Facility and Intake / Release Facility into an operating Jail.  The design included a new security system, including security lighting, staff security, surveillance, and access control to all interior and exterior areas.  Strollo Architects’ services also included kitchen planning and design, design and construction documents, study models, value engineering sessions with third party consultants, assistance with construction bidding / award, on-site construction administration and interface with other governmental inspectors/managing agencies.

Additions and renovations / remodeling to the existing Jail included a new Intake and Release Facility of 14,000 SF; a new Main Medical Facility of 8,000 SF; a new seven-story Direct Supervision Housing Unit and Staff Training Facility of 60,000 SF; renovations and remodeling throughout all areas of the existing 53,000 SF of the Jail encompassed complete remodeling / expansion of the kitchen, laundry, administrative areas, staff areas, support areas, all security components, and all inmate housing and program areas. Existing housing units were reclassified and configured to provide for all classification groups, including mental health inmates. The Needs Analysis and Programming of a second six-story, 59,000SF housing unit was included in the Master Planning of this jail facility. A new Central Energy Plant was provided, as well as site utility improvements, and additional parking and service drives.

The project’s location within the predominant vistas of Charlottesville required Strollo to work closely with the Architectural Control Committee to meet the building restrictions and required exterior building elements. The result is a vertical Jail that blends in with the terrain and complements not only the adjacent community but also the historic views of the City.