On October 31, 2024, Governor Sarah Sanders announced the purchase of an 815-acre property in Franklin County, Arkansas, for the purpose of constructing a new correctional facility.
[State Purchases Land in Charleston to Build New Prison – Arkansas Governor – Sarah Huckabee Sanders]
That site, located on Arkansas Highway 215 north of Charleston, was approved by the Board of Corrections on November 1. The new facility will house up to 3,000 beds, assisting in alleviating overcrowding at other facilities across the state.
The Board recently conducted a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for architectural and engineering design services. At the April 15 Board of Corrections meeting, the Board recommended and approved HDR Cromwell to design the new facility following proposals held earlier in the month.
At the April 2 Board of Corrections meeting, the Board approved a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a General Contractor for the new facility. The request was advertised beginning April 8 with the deadline for submittal of qualifications set for April 22. The Board hopes to have the General Contractor selected by mid-May.
In response to claims regarding possible cultural significance at the site, a full assessment is ongoing. Once completed and finalized, the results will be reported and made available to the public.
News:
Board Approves Architectural and Design Firm for New Correctional Facility
April 16, 2025
By Kat Balster – Correctional News
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Despite repeated legislative setbacks, Arkansas is moving forward with planning for a new state prison in Franklin County. On Monday evening, the Arkansas Board of Corrections voted to select Omaha, Neb.-based HDR and Little Rock-based Cromwell Architects Engineers as the design team for the 3,000-bed facility.
The decision comes after Senate Bill 354, which would have allocated $750 million in funding for the prison, failed five separate times to reach the three-fourths majority required in the Senate.
Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester confirmed that no additional votes on the bill are expected this session. With $75 million already allocated in 2023, the state has opted to proceed with design and engineering to keep the project moving forward.
“We’ve already given the prison $75 million and permission to spend it, so we will continue with architecture and engineering plans for the prison,” Hester said following the final vote.
Contract negotiations with HDR and Cromwell are expected to be finalized by the end of May. The design team will begin work on schematic design, program planning and coordination with the state’s owner’s representative, Sacramento, Calif.-based Vanir Construction Inc. The firms will also help develop updated budget estimates, design milestones and timelines.
Cromwell Architects Engineers, an Arkansas-based firm with more than 150 employees, brings a long-standing connection to the state. HDR, a national leader in justice architecture, is known for its restorative design philosophy, with a focus on wellness, treatment access and environments that support rehabilitation.
Board of Corrections member Brandon Tollett emphasized the design team’s preparedness and transparency throughout the selection process.
“They were able to answer questions clearly and off cue,” Tollett said. “Their clarification of the process and responses really stood out. Cromwell’s local presence and commitment to Arkansas made this partnership even stronger.”
The Board of Corrections unanimously passed the motion, clarifying that the team was selected for the design and engineering of a new state prison—regardless of the final location—so the selection process won’t need to be repeated if the site changes.
The proposed prison will feature housing units designed to enhance safety and improve daily operations. Each unit will include access to dining, recreation, education, healthcare and counseling services. A centralized kitchen is planned to prepare roughly 9,500 meals per day. The design will also incorporate program areas for behavioral health treatment, addiction recovery and vocational training.
Pending funding, the facility is expected to be completed in phases, with partial operations beginning in 2026 and full completion anticipated by 2028.
In addition to the design contract, the state is actively seeking a general contractor to provide preconstruction and construction services. A request for qualifications was issued April 8, with proposals due later this month. Finalist interviews are scheduled for May, and a selection is expected by mid-May. A notice to proceed for design-assist services is tentatively scheduled for August, followed by early sitework in September 2025.
“We are extremely proud to be selected as the architect of record on this monumental project for the state of Arkansas,” said Gerry Guerrero, global director, Civic + Justice, at HDR. “In partnership with the Arkansas Department of Corrections, Division of Building Authority, the Arkansas Governor’s Office, Cromwell Architects, and Vanir Construction Management, we are looking forward to delivering a project that strengthens the community and provides best-in-class design approaches to meet the goals of the state for decades to come.”
Even as funding remains uncertain, the Arkansas Department of Corrections has emphasized the urgency of expanding prison capacity. County jails across the state continue to operate at or above capacity, often housing state inmates long past their sentencing dates.
The selection of HDR and Cromwell marks a significant step in keeping the project on track. State officials say investing in design now ensures that Arkansas is ready to move quickly if funding is secured in a future session.
In a statement from Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the administration reaffirmed its commitment to the project.
“Governor Sanders continues to stand with Arkansas’ sheriffs, county judges and a large majority of our legislators in support of addressing Arkansas’ prison bed shortage by building a 3,000-bed facility in Franklin County to keep the most dangerous criminals out of our communities and our people safe.”
Arkansas Department of Corrections, Vanir, Announce Update on Franklin County Prison
March 3, 2025
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Corrections, in consultation with Vanir Construction Management, today announced that the estimated maximum cost of the new, 3,000-bed prison in Franklin County is $825 million. A copy of Vanir’s letter to the Department announcing this estimate is HERE.
To authorize that spending, Budget Chairmen Senator Jonathan Dismang (District 18) and Representative Lane Jean (District 99) filed companion appropriation bills for $750 million. Another $75 million was already approved by the General Assembly as part of Act 95. The State has already directed $405 million in funding toward the total $825 million cost estimate.
“This estimate lets us move forward quickly on the long-overdue prison project and build a safer, stronger Arkansas. I look forward to working with our partners in the legislature to get this appropriation passed,” said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
“This estimate allows us to move quickly toward breaking ground on the Franklin County prison and building the long-overdue, 3,000-bed facility we know our state needs,” said Arkansas Department of Corrections Secretary Lindsay Wallace. “We look forward to working with the Governor and legislature to secure the resources we need to build the prison and create a safer, stronger Arkansas.”
We have worked closely with Governor Sanders and the legislature to facilitate the construction of a new prison and are happy to be taking the next step in that important process,” said Chairman of the Arkansas Board of Corrections Benny Magness. “Everyone knows we need a new prison to address our state’s prison bed shortage, and I look forward to working with legislators to secure the funding necessary to build this facility quickly.”
“This appropriation is a clear commitment to keeping our communities safe. By addressing overcrowding and making sure we have the resources needed, we’re not just building a new prison—we’re investing in a stronger, safer future for all Arkansans,” said Speaker of the House Brian S. Evans (District 68).
“Time and again, the Arkansas legislature has stood up for safer, stronger communities and ending our state’s prison bed shortage. This appropriation will give our state the resources we need to get that done and I look forward to leading it to approval in my body,” said Arkansas Senate President Bart Hester (District 33).
“I’m grateful for Governor Sanders’ leadership ensuring repeat violent offenders stay off our streets and Arkansans are safe,” said Arkansas Legislative Council Co-Chair Senator Ben Gilmore. “This prison couldn’t come soon enough and it’s critical we get this funding approved so we address the prison bed shortage in our state.”
“Arkansas needs a new prison and we need it built as quickly as possible. I look forward to working with the Governor and my fellow legislators to secure the appropriation the state needs to move forward on the current prison project and build a safer, stronger Arkansas,” said Arkansas Legislative Council Co-Chair Representative Les Eaves (District 58).
“Government has no greater duty than the protection of its citizens. By securing this appropriation, while maintaining a proper level of oversight, we will build a safer, stronger Arkansas for generations to come,” said Co-Chair of the Joint Budget Committee Senator Jonathan Dismang (District 18).
“I championed the Protect Act alongside Governor Sanders because we know in order to keep our communities safe, we must keep repeat violent offenders off the streets. The only way to do that is by ending Arkansas’ chronic prison bed shortage and I look forward to supporting this appropriation in the legislature,” said Representative Jimmy Gazaway (District 31).
“Arkansas cannot afford to delay the construction of the Franklin County prison any longer. As law enforcement officers from every corner of the state, the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Association knows that the only way to create a safer, stronger Arkansas is by addressing our chronic prison bed shortage. We appreciate Governor Sanders and our legislators for their support of this long-overdue investment in public safety,” said Arkansas Sheriffs Association Executive Director Scott Bradley.
“We are grateful that Governor Sanders is taking bold, decisive action to build a new prison and address Arkansas’ prison bed shortage and we look forward to working with our legislators to get this appropriation passed. We must end the cycle of catch-and-early-release in our communities and build a safer, stronger Arkansas,” said Arkansas County Judges Association President, Greene County Judge Rusty McMillon.
Once these funds are appropriated, the State can work with the Owner’s Representative to move forward with drawing up in-depth plans for the prison and breaking ground as soon as possible.
Governor Sanders announced the purchase of an 815-acre plot in Franklin County to build the new prison in October of last year, at a total cost of $2,950,000. The parcel offers the infrastructure needed for a new prison, including cell reception, water lines, electricity, and a nearby fire department, and is also close to more than 100,000 working-age adults who could staff the new facility. The property is large enough to offer privacy to both neighbors and inmates.
The one-time investment in Franklin County is estimated to create thousands of jobs, and once the prison is complete, it will employ nearly 800 individuals at an average salary of more than $46,600, based on estimates, and will enhance Charleston’s roads, utilities, and infrastructure.
Arkansas currently has a shortage of more than 3,000 prison beds, requiring the state to spend almost $30 million each year to house inmates in county jails. Governor Sanders and her administration have worked to open up nearly 1,500 prison beds to address this problem, but the shortage will persist until a new prison is built. In addition to burdening county governments with the challenges of long-term incarceration, the prison bed shortage also denies inmates the opportunity to access evidence-based programs in state prisons that fight addiction, promote mental health, and reduce recidivism.
Quitclaim Deeds Processed For Properties Surrounding Facility Site
April 11, 2025
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – During the initial assessment of the property located at 6310 South Highway 215 in Franklin County, a professional land survey was conducted.
Based on the results of the survey, it was determined a number of private residences surrounding the site had small portions of their property extending beyond the legal boundaries, encroaching onto the land purchased by the Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) in 2024.
In order to resolve the situation amicably and permanently, the ADFA announced it will transfer ownership of the encroached areas to the current land owners by way of Quitclaim Deeds.
Those affected will be contacted by the Department and provided the appropriate documentation to ensure permanent ownership. These transfers will be done with no cost to the current property owners.
Arkansas Seeks Architects for New State Correctional Facility in Franklin County
February 19, 2025
By Kat Balster – Correctional News
PINE BLUFF, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Corrections and Arkansas Board of Corrections have released a request for qualifications for professional architectural services for the construction of the new state correctional facility in Franklin County, Ark. The request was issued Feb 13.
This milestone is the latest in a series of steps taken by the state to advance the project, which aims to address the need for additional correctional beds. The facility will accommodate an estimated 3,000 beds, relieving pressure on county jails that are currently overcrowded. The state spends nearly $30 million annually on housing expenses for inmates. The new prison is also expected to expand programming focused on mental health treatment, addiction recovery and recidivism reduction.
Architects interested in the project must respond to the qualification request by March 18. Interviews with the top teams are scheduled for mid-April, with a final team selection expected by the end of June 2025. The request outlines the state’s preference for a team with extensive experience on correctional and detention projects of similar scale, complexity and function. It also considers local experience and the qualifications and availability of team members who will work closely with state agencies.
“Following approval from the Board of Corrections to proceed with the RFQ process for the new facility in Franklin County, we’re eager to begin the next phase of this project as it moves from discussions to tangible planning,” said Rand Champion, communication director for the Arkansas Department of Corrections, on behalf of the agency.
The land for the prison, located in Charleston, Ark., was finalized for purchase in October 2024 for $2.95 million. The 815-acre site is equipped with necessary infrastructure, including cellular service, water lines, electricity and access to a local fire department. However, the decision to locate the facility in Charleston was met with controversy from local residents.
“This new facility will help end our failed system of catch-and-early-release and protect our communities by keeping violent offenders off our streets,” said Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders in a statement. “It will offer hundreds of permanent, recession-proof jobs and millions of dollars in investment.” The new facility is expected to employ nearly 800 people and contribute to improvements in Charleston’s roads, utilities and infrastructure.
The selected architectural firm will be responsible for developing the project budget, which is currently estimated at $400 million to $470 million. The firm will oversee the project from pre-planning, provide designs with milestones at schematic design, design development and final construction documents. The scope of work will also include coordinating contract administration, working with the selected contractor to ensure adherence to the approved design through the end of construction, comprehensive programming and design services, and contract administration for the development of a new State Correctional Facility. The state contracted with Sacramento, Calif.-based Vanir Construction inc. as the owner’s representative for this project.
The goal of the project is to promote community safety and recidivism reduction, ensure safe and humane treatment of inmates, meet and exceed national standards and foster healthy interactions among staff and inmates.
Speaking on the need for the facility, Arkansas Secretary of Correction Lindsay Wallace noted that the department’s mission is provide safety and hope for Arkansans, but that cannot be accomplished without adequate bed capacity.
“Working with Gov. Sanders, our department has opened more than 1,100 prison beds to alleviate our state’s longstanding bed shortage, and we plan to open hundreds more soon,” Wallace said. “With this new facility, we will add even more beds and deliver on our promises to the people of Arkansas.”
Correctional News plans to follow the progression of this project from the selection of the team through the expected completion of the project in 2028.
