KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Jackson County officials, alongside the design-build team led by JE Dunn Construction, recently celebrated a historic milestone with the completion of the new Jackson County Detention Center. The state-of-the-art facility, located at 7000 E. US Highway 40, represents the county’s largest-ever taxpayer investment in criminal justice infrastructure, carrying a final price tag of approximately $317 million.
The project, which broke ground in late 2022, serves as a radical departure from the aging and troubled downtown jail. Designed by DLR Group and built in partnership with Axiom Construction, the new 400,000-square-foot campus moves away from traditional “bars and cages” in favor of a “direct supervision” model. This approach places unarmed officers directly within housing “pods,” a method proven to reduce violence and improve safety for both staff and detainees.
A Shift Toward Rehabilitation
The facility’s guiding principle, “Justice with Dignity,” is reflected in its physical design. Unlike the windowless corridors of the previous facility, the new center emphasizes natural light, acoustic panels to reduce noise stress, and expanded spaces for medical and mental health services. With approximately 1,000 beds the campus includes on-site courtrooms for arraignments, vocational training centers, and specialized housing for elderly or mentally ill detainees.
Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. remarked during recent transition ceremonies that the new venue is more than just a building, it’s a turning point—and that the facility is providing a foundation for rehabilitation that respects the dignity of individuals while also ensuring the safety of the community.
Leadership Transition Amidst Activation
While the construction phase concluded successfully in early 2026, the facility’s opening has been met with a sudden leadership shift. In early March, Corrections Chief Diana Knapp resigned unexpectedly, just weeks before the scheduled transfer of inmates. Despite this, Sheriff Darryl Forté has assured the public that the transition remains on track. Inmates are expected to be moved from the downtown facility throughout March and April 2026, reaching full operational status before the city hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer.
As the county prepares to vacate the old downtown jail, discussions are already underway regarding the facility’s future. One proposal currently being weighed by the County Legislature is a temporary lease to the City of Kansas City to help ease its own detention crunch ahead of the international crowds expected in June.
