SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Minnehaha County is preparing to open the doors to its new Juvenile Justice Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed to meet the region’s youth detention and rehabilitation needs for decades to come.
Located in southern Sioux Falls, the 80,000-square-foot center replaces the aging 1969 facility and more than doubles its capacity. The first phase, set to open later this month, includes secure housing pods, padded cells, nurse stations, and an outdoor recreation area. The center will accommodate up to 64 juveniles, up from the previous 40-bed limit.
Designed by Architecture Incorporated and HDR, the facility emphasizes rehabilitation through thoughtful design—incorporating natural light, calming colors, and modern amenities. Henry Carlson Company is leading construction, which has come in under budget at $42.2 million, well below the original $50 million estimate.
A second phase, expected by 2027, will add courtrooms and administrative offices. County commissioners recently approved a 6,600-square-foot expansion to support this next step, adding $1.6 million to the budget.
Officials say the new center is built with future growth in mind, aiming to serve the county’s juvenile justice system for the next 30 years.
The project reflects a broader shift toward restorative justice and modernized infrastructure in juvenile care.
