Freeborn County Government Center – Corrections

Location: Albert Lea, MN
Total Square Footage: 161,000 sq ft
Construction Cost: $23Million
Completion Date: 2004

Designed to replace the County’s outdated existing facility, the new Freeborn County Jail represents an efficient and flexible modern jail. As an addition to the existing County campus within a restrictive city site, the new jail required space effective design strategies to meet current needs, as well as consideration to meeting future needs without extensive future additions.
The final design provides for 180-beds using a direct supervision model. The jail’s design is focused on minimizing inmate movement, minimizing supervision requirements and maximizing staffing efficiency. The master control station, centered within the jail, maintains direct visual contact with all primary inmate spaces including the men’s unit, women’s unit, programming rooms, and the secure elevator access to the court area. With the secure court holding area located two floors directly above the jail level, this direct access assures safe, secure and efficient staff transport to and from court.
The work release unit is designed to provide secured, street-level access through inmate search and locker facilities that lead directly into the work release unit, assuring a higher degree of contraband control within the jail, as well as a high degree of classification separation.