Architects have presented initial plans for the county’s proposed juvenile detention facility to county officials, who are eager for the facility to become a reality.
“We could be so much more effective with the kids with a facility here,” said Sue Krause, executive director of the McHenry County Youth Service Bureau. “We need to keep them connected to their families.”
Krause, Circuit Judge Michael Sullivan, county officials and others who work with youths met Friday, anticipating more details of the proposed facility, which will be the first of its kind in the county. Currently, youths are transported elsewhere in the state.
Architect Steve Loomis unveiled plans for a 50,000-square-foot facility with 32 beds for juvenile detention, and 16 beds for a shelter care facility. The estimated cost of the two-story facility proposed for 17 acres off of Ware Road is $7.5 million. However, the final report, which will include actual costs and more details, will be presented Friday.
The first floor will have a guarded lobby and administration and support staff offices. The second floor will house a courtroom, offices for probation officers, space for the state’s attorney’s representatives, a work room and a lobby.
A proposed 78,000-square-foot building was pared down to save money, said Donna Schaefer, chairwoman of the Law and Justice Committee of the McHenry County Board.