McLean County gets look at possible jail expansion designs

Posted on September 1, 2016

McLean County Jail — The county is expanding the jail to help improve mental health care. (WJBC file photo)

By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – McLean County officials are starting to get a look at what the upgrades to the county jail will look like.

The county Property Committee heard from Farnsworth Group Thursday night about some possible options for the expansion. The group’s John Bishop explained a couple of options are on the table right now.

“It’s largely a visual difference, so it’s a matter of what image that wants to be presented,” said Bishop. “It’s aesthetic.”

Bishop added the main focus is ensuring there is proper space for the difference classifications of inmates. He added the expansion could end up being around 70,000 square feet, but said it’s hard to know an exact number now.

“We want to make sure that we’re providing a full spectrum for men, for women, for special needs, for mental health,” he said.

The jail expansion is part of the county’s efforts to improve mental health care in the Twin Cities.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].

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