Photo Credit: Visions in Photography, Inc

Pima County Jail Expansion

Project overview

Vanir’s leadership and construction management services led to the completion of new construction, renovation and additions to existing buildings at the County jail. The new facility added 750 beds and the renovations included a major security system upgrade.

Our value engineering workshop focused on how to simplify construction and respond to phased renovations in the existing facility while maintaining operations. A key recommendation was to revise the blocking and stacking to consolidate all cell areas vertically. This allowed construction of the new intake area to proceed more quickly, allowing for early occupancy and initiation of construction of the new lobby/entry area that was a lynchpin of unifying the complex.

This effort resulted in simplified construction, reduced costs, facilitated phasing and provided for early occupancy of critical components of the project.

A key aspect of the success of the project was the quality of the individuals assigned by Vanir and their focus on finding solutions–not just identifying problems for others to solve. In an environment of mutual respect, we were able to partner together as a team to meet and exceed the goals of the County.

– Andrew Cupples, AIA, Design Principal, DMJM

Awards

2005 American Institute of Architects, Arizona Chapter – Kemper Goodwin Award | 2006 National American Institute of Architects – Certificate of Merit for the Justice Facilities Review

Tucson, Arizona
Pima County
Architect

DMJM

Contractor

Okland Construction

Square Footage
147,000 SF (new); 19,000 SF (remodel)
Construction Cost
$31 Million
Start Date
1997
Completion Date
2005