The renovation, expected for completion in 2007, includes 35,550 sf of new and renovated space for vehicle bays, inmate booking and releasing, food and health services and housing. Arkay Construction is based in Golden Valley, MN.

The improvements will also add 25 beds to the female housing unit. The jail, which opened in 1988, currently accommodates 234 inmates, with beds for 40 juveniles, 36 women and 158 men. After the project is complete, a second phase will add a new 60-bed housing unit for male inmates that would include a 44,720 sf medium security facility.

KKE Architects Inc. of Minneapolis completed a study of the county's detention needs throughout the next 25 years. The long-term plan would expand the jail to house up to 700 beds by 2030, relocate the sheriff's office and connect the expanded adult facility with the juvenile center. KKE is using a phased approach that will allow the jail to remain in service with too much interruption of the day-to-day operations.