FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Allen County officials, construction partners, and community leaders gathered recently to celebrate a significant milestone in the construction of the new Allen County Jail with a Steel Topping-Off Ceremony. The final beam was placed atop the structure, marking 40 percent completion of the $100+ million project, which remains on track to open in 2027.
Led by Sheriff Troy Hershberger and the County Commissioners, the event highlighted the collaborative effort between Elevatus Architecture and Weigand Construction, both deeply rooted in the local community. Weigand CEO Larry Weigand shared that over 180,000 work hours have already been invested in the project.
“We are not just building a new facility. We are building for the future of public safety, rehabilitation, and our community,” said Sheriff Hershberger, emphasizing the importance of designing with staff and inmate welfare in mind.
The new detention center will replace the aging county jail with a modern, secure, and rehabilitative environment. Key features include five general housing pods and a dedicated 70-bed behavioral health unit, designed to support inmates facing mental health challenges. Each pod will feature pie-shaped dayrooms with 360-degree visibility from a central control station, two classrooms, and flexible program spaces for GED instruction, chapel services, and addiction recovery meetings.
To reduce inmate movement and enhance safety, all essential services—including indoor-outdoor recreation and video visitation—will be contained within each pod. The intake area will accommodate 100 beds for short-term holds and processing, while a 32-bed unit will host the Jail Chemical Addictions Program (JCAP), a rigorous 16-week rehabilitation initiative.
A fully equipped medical unit will allow inmates to receive care on-site, minimizing costly and risky hospital transports. Environmental enhancements such as skylights and calming murals aim to improve mental well-being and reduce tension.
With a total capacity of approximately 1,336 beds—nearly double the current facility—the new jail is designed to meet the county’s long-term growth and can be expanded in the future. Officials say the project reflects a forward-thinking approach to incarceration, balancing safety, efficiency, and rehabilitation.
