The study goes on to report that the housing pod for adult female inmates is currently one of the least efficient housing pods in service with a ratio of one staff member to 36 inmates. By redesigning and slightly expanding the space, the architects have fit in another 25 beds, safely increasing the ratio to one to 60, staff to inmates.

Scheduled to follow the completion of this first phase, phase two would include the medium security 44,720-sf addition of a 60-bed housing unit for the general male population. Future phases may involve relocating the sheriff's office and will connect the expanded adult facility with the juvenile center, which currently is an on-site satellite building sharing such functions as food and laundry.

KKE's lead designer Randy Lindemann says the intake center will be column-free in construction, which means no structural obstructions increasing safety for both inmates and staff. "As the most recent design in the state, Dakota County's jail will feature the most modern booking center complete with a decontamination area for disposing of toxic and hazardous substances that may absorb into clothing such as those associated with methamphetamines," Lindemann says.

In a related but separate project, KKE was also hired by the county to conduct a master plan study of Dakota County's judicial space needs. Other members of the Dakota County master plan, renovation and expansion team include KKE's Glenn Gauger and project manager Carey Ottman Everson, as well as Voorhis Associates Inc.'s John Milosovich and Gail Elias.

Opened in 1988, the original jail served 144 inmates. It was remodeled for double bunking in the mid-1990s with additional beds added in 2002. Today, the jail site provides beds for 40 juveniles, 36 adult females and 158 adult males.

Instant Insights /

Dakota County Rehabilitates Aged Prison Facilities

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