Illinois Department of Corrections and Illinois Capital Development Board Seek Progressive Design Build Entity for Correctional Facility Rebuild Initiative

(Crest Hill, IL) - Today, the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB), in partnership with the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), issued a pre-advertisement for the 'RISE IDOC: Rehabilitation and Restoration Inside Safe Environments' (RISE IDOC) initiative seeking a Progressive Design Build Entity with demonstrated project experience designing and constructing correctional facilities for public agencies. The Progressive Design Build Entity will construct two new multi-level security facilities in Crest Hill, Illinois, including design features that focus on creating rehabilitative and gender-responsive spaces with housing, education, programming, medical and mental health, dietary, and recreational areas to support the successful re-entry of individuals into their communities.

This marks a major milestone in the State's effort to modernize Illinois' correctional infrastructure, as capacity replacements for some of its oldest facilities that are beyond their useful life: Stateville Correctional Center, built in 1925, and Logan Correctional Center, which includes buildings dating back to the 1930s. The RISE IDOC men's and women's facilities will be located on IDOC's 2,200-acre Crest Hill property, which currently contains both the Northern Reception & Classification Center (NRC), opened in 2004, and the closed Stateville Correctional Center. The women's facility will have a capacity of 800 beds, and the men's facility will have a capacity of 1,500 beds. The men's facility will also include infrastructure that would allow for additional housing units to be built, if IDOC were to decide in the future they were needed.

The evaluation placed emphasis on sustainability, project timelines, and fiscal responsibility. The VMJV team's analysis showed that Crest Hill provides the site capacity, configuration, and infrastructure necessary to support a modern women's correctional facility without operational compromises, and provides added benefits of possible shared infrastructure with the men's facility such as a central utility plant, warehouse, shared entry drive and parking lot, expanded access to healthcare resources, and enhanced opportunities for educational partnerships and re-entry resources in the area. Examination of the current Logan Correctional Center site and alternative sites in Lincoln demonstrated that these options did not exhibit the physical space or site conditions required to accommodate the new women's facility within the established acreage, security, and operational parameters. Building two Crest Hill facilities supports a significantly shortened project duration, stronger cost control, and a facility design that meets IDOC's operational and rehabilitative objectives.

IDOC intends for Logan Correctional Center to remain open and functioning as operational guidelines allow, minimizing disruption for staff and individuals in custody while maintaining continuity of operations. In addition, IDOC has made recent investments at Logan, including modernizing the facility's power source to enhance safety and reliability. IDOC's approach to the future transfer plan will be firmly rooted in safety, security, and operational continuity. IDOC is committed to maintaining stability by organizing any large-scale transfers in a manner that supports staff in managing a complex transition and minimizes disruption. This will be a collaborative process in which IDOC will include input from staff, individuals in custody, and advocacy organizations in the development of the transition plan.

The VMJV team will continue to support, oversee, and coordinate the planning, design, construction, and activation phases of the new facilities. The team will also provide procurement guidance and support in utilizing a Progressive Design Build delivery method in order to ensure an efficient and timely project. Additionally, the team will continue to support IDOC's outreach efforts to fully engage stakeholders, advocacy groups, vendors, and community members throughout the project lifecycle.

About RISE IDOC: Rehabilitation and Restoration Inside Safe Environments (RISE IDOC)

RISE IDOC is an initiative dedicated to creating safe, accessible, and restorative correctional environments that transform lives, strengthen family and community connections, and foster a supportive culture for both individuals in custody and staff while advancing rehabilitative opportunities through education, programming, and innovation.

About the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC)

The Illinois Department of Corrections' mission is to serve justice in Illinois and increase public safety by promoting positive change for those in custody, operating successful reentry programs, and reducing victimization.

About the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB)

The Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) oversees the construction of new state facilities, such as correctional facilities, state parks, mental health facilities, and college and university projects. In addition, CDB is responsible for renovation and rehabilitation projects at over 8,770 state-owned buildings spread over more than 100 million square feet of floor space.

About Vanir Construction Management, Inc.

Vanir Construction Management, Inc. is a national leader in providing comprehensive construction management services for public and private sector clients. With a commitment to delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget, Vanir has successfully managed numerous large-scale infrastructure projects across the United States.

About Milhouse Engineering & Construction, Inc.

Milhouse Engineering & Construction, Inc. is a full-service engineering and construction firm based in Chicago. Specializing in providing innovative solutions across various sectors, including transportation, utilities, and public infrastructure, Milhouse is dedicated to delivering projects that enhance community development and sustainability.