FAQs

The DC Department of Corrections (DOC) operates and maintains the Central Detention Facility (CDF) and Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF). CDF opened in 1976 and currently has a total capacity to house 2,164 residents. CTF opened in 1992 and currently has a total capacity to house 1,400 residents.

CDF Building Challenges

• Aging & outdated infrastructure
• Need for costly repairs
• Changing population and the need for more behavioral health spaces for residents
• Lack of programmatic spaces

…Therefore, the decision is to replace the CDF.

To support DOC’s long-term operational goals and vision and ensure continued public safety, Mayor Muriel Bowser allocated $463 million in the city’s 2025 capital budget proposal to design and build an annex to the CTF.

A new facility will allow the District to modernize its approach to justice and confinement so those confined will be better prepared to reenter the community and change the trajectory of their lives.

The new state-of-the-art facility will meet the needs of the community and provide a safe and secure environment for residents, staff, and visitors.

It will represent a focused commitment to the rehabilitation of DC residents by defining physical space for educational and vocational opportunities; programming and rehabilitative services; substance abuse, behavioral and mental health treatment programs; and reentry supportive services.

The DC CTF Annex will be located south of Massachusetts Avenue adjacent to the existing CTF.

Please visit the Project Sequencing page for information on the construction timeline.

The District has developed a sequenced approach to construction of the CTF Annex to focus on the highest operational needs as identified throughout the project’s Pre-Design. The sequenced plan takes advantage of long-term budget opportunities; conforms to the approved Hill East Masterplan; and allows the District to create a ‘one-complex’ vision. Phase 1 of the project will allow the District to respond to increasing behavioral health needs of the DOC resident population through the construction of CDF replacement housing, behavioral health facilities, resident support space, resident intake & release, intake housing, reentry planning, medical and facility administration. This new area will allow the DOC to support residents through a modern approach focused on therapeutic treatment and reducing recidivism. Phase 1 seeks to improve functionality of the future complex through modernized and centralized support functions, such as intake and release, kitchen, laundry, outpatient clinic and new administrative areas. Relocating support functions allows the DOC to reorganize and reconceptualize areas within the CTF including improved areas for a Women's Center. Some support functions will be located in the new CTF Annex and others will be part of a renovation to the existing CTF (conducted under a separate project). The DOC, DGS and CGL teams are working together to determine the best use of the existing CTF. Phase 2 of the project involves the construction of a new annex building in line with the scale of the surrounding neighborhood to replace housing currently located in the CDF , as well as incorporate resident and Staff support spaces. Completion of this housing will support the operational goals of the DOC and enable it to discontinue use of the existing CDF. Begin creating a new correctional complex that meets the needs of a changing population.

Phase 2 of the project involves the construction of a new housing building in line with the scale of the surrounding neighborhood to replace housing currently located in the CDF. Completion of this housing will support the operational goals of the DOC and enable it to discontinue use of the existing CDF.

Housing Units in both annex buildings will have access to spaces for recreation, educational programs, case management and religious service. Most units contain only single occupancy cells, with a few units allowing double occupancy.

Please visit the Project Sequencing page for information on the construction timeline.

The Future Correctional Complex (Future Annex Buildings 1, 2 and CTF) will have approximately 2,000 beds.

Annex Building 1 is expected to be complete in 2031; Annex Building 2 is expected to be complete in 2035. These dates are subject to change.  More detailed information on each sequence can be found here.

As part of its pre-design efforts, APC will complete an evaluation of the current use of the existing CDF and CTF, with the goal of identifying approaches for the optimal use and potential improvement of the CTF. The District's long term plan is to keep the CTF operational and eventually discontinue the use of the CDF; however, no date has been set for that project.

Public participation is vital to the success of projects like this, and we are committed to ensuring the community has meaningful opportunities to share their input throughout the process. Over the past year, DOC and the project team conducted surveys and held meetings with DOC staff and residents, advocates, ANCs, and the broader community, with additional outreach planned. Stakeholder engagement began in Fall 2023, expanded to the public in the Spring of 2024 and is ongoing.

The project will also undergo review from the following entities during the public entitlement process: the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts (CFA), D.C. Zoning Commission, and the National Capital Planning Commission. The first CFA hearing has already been held, and the project team is actively working to address the feedback provided during that session. The zoning application has also been filed. These processes will continue to provide additional opportunities for community input.

The DOC and project team remain focused on creating opportunities for public engagement, with updates to be shared through the District’s public information outlets as plans evolve. We encourage members of the public to share their questions and comments using the linked form and to sign up for periodic updates. Future project information and announcements will also be made available on this website as the next phases take shape.

As part of its programming and planning efforts, APC was tasked with surveying and interviewing DOC staff and residents to gather their input on what they would like to see in the new facility. An executive summary of the survey findings for both facility staff and residents can be accessed through the following links: Staff or Residents. Additionally, the project team has conducted a survey that was distributed to advocacy groups involved with DOC residents. Once the data has fully been analyzed, it will be compiled and made available on this website.

The Council for Court Excellence Jails & Justice Taskforce's extensive research and reports have provided foundational guiding principles and recommendations for the CTF Annex project. The project team has used the Taskforce's information throughout pre-design to aid in project planning with regard to building size, programming and best practices. To review the Taskforce's work done to date, please visit: https://www.courtexcellence.org/digital-library.