On July 11, 2007, Elkhart County officials held a dedication ceremony for the new Elkhart County Correctional Complex(ECCC). There were tours for the public and the media, as well. 

Casteel Construction Corp. played a key role in the building of ECCC. As the lowest bidder, Casteel was awarded the contracts for the services building, the maximum-security building, the warehouse, the build-out of the utilities building, and the final sitework. The building construction consisted of pouring concrete, setting pre-cast panels, laying masonry, and finishing out the buildings and site. It took just over 20 months, over 18,000 yards of concrete, over 500,000 brick and block, and over 90 suppliers and subcontractors to get the job done. 

The ECCC has state-of-the-art features that are designed to trim manpower costs while increasing safety and security. Technology allows inmate visitations to take place via video screens. There are 77 booths in the public visitation area with two consoles in each pod. On-site courtrooms provide space for judges to conduct hearings or trials for high-risk cases. The expanded kitchen has extra capacity in anticipation of future expansion. Meals are brought to the residence pods by cart. Each minimum and medium-security pod also has a recreation area equipped with skylights and louvers to bring in the state-mandated sunlight and fresh air. Classrooms are located in each pod to provide a place for classes to aid in the rehabilitation of inmates. The facility has a total capacity of nearly 1000. 

 

To find out more about this project, click here.