The Onondaga County Justice Center is a 300,000‑square‑foot detention facility in Syracuse, New York, designed by STV to alleviate overcrowding at the adjacent public safety building and modernize the county’s correctional infrastructure. The facility improves operational efficiency, enhances the inmate-to-staff ratio and maintains a low cost per inmate while providing a secure, adaptable environment that meets the county’s long-term needs.
What challenges did STV address?
Onondaga County required a new detention facility that could relieve capacity issues, support modern correctional management practices and integrate safely into a dense downtown neighborhood. The design needed to balance security with efficiency and provide a flexible layout that could accommodate future expansions without disrupting ongoing operations for staff or inmates.
What solutions did STV deliver?
STV collaborated closely with the Sheriff’s Office and multiple county agencies to develop an innovative, operationally efficient architectural design. The facility incorporates alternative management strategies – including direct supervision – to improve safety and visibility. Its exterior design uses contextual architectural elements that reflect the surrounding urban environment. The building’s layout emphasizes adaptability, allowing future modifications or expansions with minimal disruption.
How does this project benefit the region?
The Justice Center strengthens correctional operations in Onondaga County by improving safety, enhancing workflow efficiency and providing a modern environment for both staff and detainees. Its flexible design ensures the facility can evolve with emerging needs, supporting long-term community and operational priorities.
Key Stats and Accolades
- 300,000‑sf detention facility
- Designed to reduce overcrowding and improve inmate-to-staff efficiency
- Incorporates direct supervision and modern management strategies
- Flexible, future‑ready architectural layout
