Davant, LA

Plaquemines Parish New Detention Facility

Client: Plaquemines Parish
Our Role: Architecture, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Site/Civil, Structural, Security

Plaquemines Parish Detention Center exterior with security fencing, entry drive, and parking area.

After Hurricane Katrina rendered Plaquemines Parish’s detention facility unusable, it needed a replacement that could restore critical correctional services while addressing the challenges of building in a vulnerable coastal environment. GFT served as architect for the project, supporting the parish’s efforts to secure Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding and delivering a modern detention facility designed to meet current operational needs while supporting the community’s long-term recovery and future growth.

Key Features

Elevated detention facility 18 feet above grade.
Housing capacity for up to 871 inmates.
Intake, administration, medical, kitchen, laundry, visitation, counseling, programming, and recreation spaces.
Precast concrete cells and wall panel construction.
Vehicle ramps, elevators, and stair access to the elevated platform.
Water storage tanks, sanitary pumping station, emergency generators, and utility extensions.
Security perimeter systems and supporting site infrastructure improvements.
Supports combination of direct supervision and indirect surveillance management models, providing operational flexibility.
Sustainable design strategies reduce long-term energy and maintenance costs.

Outcomes

Restored detention operations following the loss of the hurricane-damaged facility.
Increased resilience against future flooding and severe weather events.
Enhanced safety and security for staff, inmates, and visitors.
Reduced long-term operational costs.
Expanded opportunities for inmate rehabilitation, education, and treatment programs.