Mecklenburg County Jail Central

Charlotte’s new 1800 bed intake and detention center provides a single-cell, direct supervision facility within the constraints of a prominent downtown government complex. The building was built in two phases. Phase I contains 1000 beds and was completed in 1996. Phase II, with an additional 960, beds was completed in the spring of 2002.

A central plant, located in the basement of the facility, provides chilled and hot water to cool and heat the building. Three 800-ton water-cooled centrifugal chillers are manifolded together to meet the cooling demand and provide redundant capacity. Three gas fired hot water boilers are utilized to heat the building, and two steam boilers provide steam to the large kitchen for cooking and dishwashing. Large variable volume central station air-handling units located in the penthouse are designed to provide normal cooling, economizer mode cooling, and smoke evacuation and control for all areas of the building. The units are controlled by a full DDC control system interlocked with the building fire alarm system. A VAV distribution system supplies air to the dayrooms, cells and administrative areas. All stairwells and vestibules are pressurized to meet the requirements for high-rise construction.

Full commissioning services were provided for the mechanical and electrical systems including specifications, site inspections, pre-functional test sheets, functional performance testing, and training of maintenance staff.

Architect: Little and Associates
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Number of Beds: Phase I - 1,000; Phase II - 960
Construction Cost: $50 Million
Completion: 2002
Systems Commissioned: Central Plant, HVAC systems, Smoke evacuation, Electrical, Emergency Power

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