The City of New York Department of General Services
for Department of Juvenile Justice
Juvenile Detention Center, Bronx New York
As a result of an increased rate of juvenile offenders, the need for two new 124-bed juvenile detention centers was determined by the City of New York. The two facilities, located in the Bronx and Brooklyn, were both designed by KMD in association with Gonchor. They will replace Spofford Juvenile Center, New York's only secure juvenile detention facility.
The Bronx facility is located on a 143,000 square foot site in the Mott Haven section surrounded by residential and institutional buildings. The design objective was to create a non-institutional ambiance for both residents and staff. Special attention was given to the design of residential units and the relationships to adjacent lounge spaces.
Housing units for both short-term and long-term residents are provided. The short-term residential unit contains a 24-bed intake living area and a 24-bed girls' living area. Since children in this unit are new to the facility, greater emphasis was placed upon the ability of the staff to observe and asses their behavior.
Within the housing units, bedrooms are arranged in two clusters on a single level. This provides open sign lines and defines two seperate activity areas. A secure outdoor terrace allows a degree of independence for the children. Natural light is used wherever possible for interior and lounge spaces.
Services
Programming
Architecture
Interior Design
Construction Cost
$33,000,000
Square Footage
86,000
Completion Date
1994
