Ribbon cut at new Lawrence County Law Enforcement Center
MT. VERNON, MISSOURI (July 18, 2024) — Less than a year and a half after breaking ground, officials in Lawrence County, Missouri celebrated the completion of the new Lawrence County Law Enforcement Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
From left: Elevatus Interior Designer Karla Buchan, Architectural Graduate Nicholas Bloom, Architect/Project Manager Greg Wehling pose with Lawrence County Sheriff Brad DeLay, and Sheriff Lt. Doug Bounous.
Elevatus team members joined representatives from construction manager Nabholz Construction and county and sheriff’s department authorities to welcome the public into the new 120-bed detention center and sheriff’s office. The modern facility was opened for tours before inmates are moved in later this summer.
The 34,258-square-foot facility features a housing area made up of 8 dayrooms and an indoor-outdoor recreation area around a central control observation point, with complete sight lines into each pod. The design team implemented advanced technologies and design strategies to ensure the safety of both staff and inmates, including state-of-the-art surveillance, door control, and water management systems. It was designed to allow two future 96-bed expansions, if necessary.
The Sheriff’s Office was customized to fit the department’s needs and features a large multipurpose room and a secure evidence room as well as office space, interview rooms, and a video visitation center.
PORTFOLIO LISTING: Lawrence County Law Enforcement Center
“As the architects for this projects, Elevatus Architecture and our team are both proud and humble to see our collective vision realized in such a tangible and meaningful way,” said Greg Wehling, architect and project manager. “This facility is more than just a building – it is a critical part of the community’s infrastructure, designed to serve the needs of county for years to come.”
The design was made possible through a collaborative partnership with Sheriff Brad DeLay, Lt. Doug Bounous, and their staff, whose valuable insights and experiences were instrumental in creating a facility that caters to the practical and humane needs of its users.
“From the very beginning, our goal was to create a place that is secure, efficient, and humane – a place where process and safety go hand in hand,” added Wehling.
Elevatus is proud to support the citizens of Lawrence County, Missouri, with a facility designed to meet their needs for years to come.
