Wayne County Court/Jail consolidation.....potential locations?

**tkelly1986** · October-21-10, 08:58 AM

Just a general musing, but if this were to happen [[consolidate the courts, new jail), where are some good locations be? My first thought is at a re-used facility/abandoned property such as MCS. This seems like an ideal location especially if a significant amount of office space is needed. Moreover, the old book depository could be incorporated in to this plan.
It’s a shame many similar plans such as a new Detroit Police station or additional space for the FBI [[though I think I read they recently moved to One Detroit Center) could not be consolidated in to a large justice complex around MCS.

http://detnews.com/article/20101021/METRO/10210368/Wayne-County-commissioners-to-vote-on-$700M-bond-for-new-jail--court

LodgeDodger · October-21-10, 09:06 AM

Put it all in the CAY. Criminals already work there...

**esp1986** · October-21-10, 09:14 AM

Originally Posted by tkelly1986

Just a general musing, but if this were to happen [[consolidate the courts, new jail), where are some good locations be? My first thought is at a re-used facility/abandoned property such as MCS. This seems like an ideal location especially if a significant amount of office space is needed. Moreover, the old book depository could be incorporated in to this plan.
It’s a shame many similar plans such as a new Detroit Police station or additional space for the FBI [[though I think I read they recently moved to One Detroit Center) could not be consolidated in to a large justice complex around MCS.

http://detnews.com/article/20101021/METRO/10210368/Wayne-County-commissioners-to-vote-on-$700M-bond-for-new-jail--court

Problem with MCS, is that the FBI wanted a place almost immediately, MCS wouldn't be ready for a few years. DPD could have shared the space, but Matty Moroun isn't about to foot any of the bill himself. Estimates to restore MCS have been in the $80-$100 million range, while in total, the city will spend less than $55 million to revamp the old IRS/MGM Temporary Casino building. Matty has reportedly been trying to solicit tenants for the building, but odds are he wants to make sure the whole thing will be filled to cover his costs. Whereas, if he is able to get one major tenant, more may follow, as in the case of the FBI, if MCS would have been available, maybe it would have been considered.

I am actually hoping the county considers MCS, it would be prefect for the courthouse, however, I am not so sure about the jail, that may take a little bit of creativity to make that work.

**jt1** · October-21-10, 09:22 AM

Northville

**jackie5275** · October-21-10, 09:41 AM

Originally Posted by esp1986

I am actually hoping the county considers MCS, it would be prefect for the courthouse, however, I am not so sure about the jail, that may take a little bit of creativity to make that work.

They're looking to construct a new facility.

**esp1986** · October-21-10, 09:49 AM

Originally Posted by jackie5275

They're looking to construct a new facility.

It's unfortunate considering the swaths of empty buildings in Wayne County.

**tkelly1986** · October-21-10, 10:49 AM

Originally Posted by jackie5275

They're looking to construct a new facility.

A new facility does not necessarily mean completely new building on virgin soil....a renovated building that meets their needs is feasible. The DPD wants a new facility, but that will be within a renovated building [[old MGM).

**Gistok** · October-21-10, 02:20 PM

If they want new facilities, why not right across the street from the Murphy Hall of Justice? That would be the empty site once planned as the permanent Greektown Casino site, at St. Antoine and Gratiot.

**Mackenzie68** · October-21-10, 06:04 PM

Just up the road from the old DeHoCo is the empty Robert Scott facility. Five Mile and Beck, Northville Township. It has only been empty a year or so. It would make sense to me to put the prisoners to work rehabbing the old facility with a view to making it a working, self-sufficient jail again. If nothing else, they could lean some new skills for scrapping.

**jackie5275** · October-21-10, 09:35 PM

Originally Posted by Gistok

If they want new facilities, why not right across the street from the Murphy Hall of Justice? That would be the empty site once planned as the permanent Greektown Casino site, at St. Antoine and Gratiot.

That is one of the spots being considered.

**Gistok** · October-21-10, 10:00 PM

Originally Posted by jackie5275

That is one of the spots being considered.

I can't link to the article... my cut/paste doesn't seem to be working for the non-working link text.

**313WX** · October-22-10, 08:53 AM

If nothiong else, it has to be centrally located in downtown Detroit.

Placing it out west at the MCS is isolating folks on the eastside, especially those who have to take the bus.