NYC's New Borough Jails: Design and Construction Update
New York City plans to move inmates from Rikers Island to four new jails in Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx. The program, launched in 2017, is overseen by the city’s Design and Construction Department and partners with several architecture firms. Construction is underway, with Brooklyn slated to open in 2029 and the others in the early 2030s.
The initiative, known as the Borough-Based Jail Program, aims to reduce pressure on Rikers Island and provide more modern facilities for inmates.
The city’s Design and Construction Department works with firms such as HOK, Cetra Ruddy, and Michael Graves to design and supervise the new structures.
After the Manhattan site was broken ground, construction began on all four facilities. Brooklyn, the most advanced, is expected to open in 2029, while the remaining jails should be completed in the early 2030s.
For designers, this project offers a case study in evolving public architecture, highlighting opportunities to explore material use, energy efficiency, and safe, functional spatial design.
Going forward, monitoring construction progress, design details, and community engagement will be key to understanding the social and cultural impact of these new buildings.