This project provides for the design and construction of a new Justice Center on the County property north of Wootton Parkway and East of Seven Locks Road. The new facility will include a central processing/detention component to support processing new arrestees and detaining remanded individuals for up to 72 hours. Other uses include District Court Commissioners; Department of Health and Human Services Mental Health Assessment and Placement Unit; Pre-Trial Services Assessment Unit; Public Defenders Unit; and the Police Warrants and Fugitive Unit. The project incorporates technical requirements from the Detention Center Reuse project in addition to updated space requirements developed by an interagency working group. The facility will be constructed adjacent to the planned Diversion Center to maximize diversion and deflection opportunities.

Design is expected to begin in spring of 2026 and end in the summer of 2027. Construction is expected to begin in the winter of 2027 and end in the fall of 2029.

Cost change is due to construction escalation, supply chain cost increases, and an updated project delivery schedule.

This project is consistent with Council Resolution 13-356 passed by the County Council on December 5, 1995, which approved two jail facilities at two locations - Rockville and Clarksburg - as priority public safety uses. The renovation of the existing Montgomery County Detention Center facility (Detention Center Reuse Project No. 429755) was determined not to be cost effective due to the need for significant capital expenditures, life cycle costs, and continued maintenance as a result of aging systems. It was determined to be cost effective to replace the Montgomery County Detention Center with a new Justice Center facility.

When considering the building design, the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation, along with other stakeholder agencies, will conduct a Racial Equity Impact Assessment that considers the following areas that may provide better supports for people who are incarcerated and others who use the facility:

• Optimal space for legal representation before and during bond hearings.

• Sufficient public transit options for visitors.

• Safe housing, shower, and restroom space that does not default to isolation for LGBTQIA+ individuals who have been detained.

• Gender-inclusive restrooms for public visitors.

• Optimal medical space for mental health screenings, physical health screenings, and medication distribution.

• Providing ADA accommodations beyond legal minimums, also taking into account individuals with sensory issues/autism, who may need accommodations like adjustable lighting, quieter spaces, etc.

• Taking wayfinding into consideration, which provides environmental cues to help individuals better navigate through unknown, complex environments. Wayfinding aids could be signage with icons or multiple languages, lighting, color coding, and other space modifications that help individuals with neurodiversity or cognitive disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, under high stress, and limited English proficiency, to better understand and navigate the environment.

The project assumes that fifty percent of project expenditures will be supported by State Aid. FY24 State Aid awarded: $1,286,000. FY25 State Aid awarded: $1,897,000.

A pedestrian impact analysis has been completed for this project. The County Executive asserts that this project conforms to the requirement of relevant local plans, as required by the Maryland Economic Growth, Resource Protection and Planning Act.

County Council, Department of Correction and Rehabilitation, Department of General Services, Department of Technology and Enterprise Business Solutions, Department of Police, Sheriff's Office, District Court of Maryland, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice, Washington Gas, Pepco, City of Rockville, State of Maryland, and community representatives. Special Capital Projects Legislation will be proposed by the County Executive.