The Architects Alliance assisted the County with an evaluation of their existing 30+-year-old facility and a design to expand services, modernize equipment, and support current juvenile standards. It was ultimately deemed a better long-term use of public funds to construct a new facility. The County proposed several potential building sites that were studied by The Architects Alliance and a civil engineer before eventually landing on the site on St. Mary’s Boulevard. The design team worked closely with County Officials and the Construction Manager to ensure they incorporated crucial program elements while maintaining the tight budget.

The Cole County Juvenile Center houses up to 8 detained juveniles, 6 residential juveniles, and 6 to 12 staff to support them. The administrative side of the facility was designed for 16 staff. Piecing all of these spaces together while keeping key staff in safe proximity was a significant design challenge. The Architects Alliance worked closely with specialty consultant, Treanor, to meet the PREA Juvenile Facility Standards, the Missouri Law Enforcement Juvenile Justice Guidelines and Recommended Practices, and the Missouri State Standards for Operation of a Secure Juvenile Detention Facility.

The Detention side of the building includes eight sleeping rooms paired into four dayrooms with showers, a central control room, two safe rooms, and a large muscle outdoor exercise space. Plans for a future expansion would add four additional sleeping rooms. An Intake area features a vehicular sally port, two holding cells, an interview room, medical, and an intake desk. Visitation spaces include two small and one large visitation room, and a video court room. A gym and kitchen serve both the Detention and Residential sides of the facility.

The Residential side includes 6 bedrooms grouped into 2 day rooms with a central classroom/dining area. Surrounding it, there are staff and visitation spaces, a work area, and a laundry room.

The Administrative side of the building includes conference rooms, observation rooms, restrooms, a break area, and offices for the Director, Attorneys, 8 Deputy Juvenile Officers, and support staff.