The construction of the new Brooklyn Detention Center is making significant progress at 275 Atlantic Avenue in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn. This modern 15-story jail complex, designed by HOK and developed by the NYC Department of Design and Construction, will reach a height of 339 feet and is set to encompass a total of 712,150 square feet, with a capacity to house 1,040 inmates.
The new facility is part of a larger initiative to replace the aging Rikers Island jail system with updated detention centers across the city, aiming to improve conditions and operations. The Brooklyn Detention Center will include not only the inmate housing but also 30,000 square feet dedicated to community facilities, two cellar levels, and an underground tunnel linking it to the adjacent courthouse, enhancing operational efficiency.
Demolition of the previous Brooklyn Detention Complex has been completed, and construction of the new steel-framed structure is well underway. The building features two concrete cores, and two tower cranes are currently in operation as the framework rises above street level.
The design of the new detention center showcases two interlocking volumes with unique cantilevers and setbacks, highlighted by a central cutout termed “the central reveal.” The exterior will feature floor-to-ceiling glass panels framed by artistically sculpted terracotta, with bronze-hued ornamental screens enhancing the aesthetic appeal. Surrounding the site will be new sidewalks lined with trees and garden beds, contributing to the neighborhood’s streetscape.
Originally built in 1957, the previous Brooklyn Detention Complex had a maximum capacity of 815 male inmates and was closed in 2020. This redevelopment is part of the city’s broader plan to modernize its jail facilities, with other boroughs, except Staten Island, also receiving new detention centers. Each facility is designed to accommodate up to 1,510 individuals.
The anticipated cost for the Brooklyn Detention Center is approximately $3 billion, with completion expected in 2029. As construction progresses, the community is closely monitoring the development, which aims to replace outdated facilities while addressing the need for modernized incarceration solutions.
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