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- Aging & outdated infrastructure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.
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.
The Future Correctional Complex (Future Annex Buildings 1, 2 and CTF) will have approximately 2,000 beds.
The District's long term plan is to keep the CTF operational and eventually discontinue the use of the CDF.
Public participation was an important part of this project, and the project team ensured the community had meaningful opportunities to share input throughout the process. Over the course of the project, DOC and the project team conducted surveys and/or held meetings with DOC staff, DOC facility residents, advocacy groups, ANCs, and members of the broader community. Stakeholder engagement began in Fall 2023.
The project underwent review by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts (CFA), the D.C. Zoning Commission, and the National Capital Planning Commission as part of the entitlement/design review process and received conceptual approval.
The DOC and project team focused on creating opportunities for public engagement, with updates shared through the District’s public information outlets as the project evolved. Members of the public are still encouraged to submit questions and comments and to sign up for periodic updates using this linked form: Questions and Comments Form
As part of its programming and planning efforts, APC was tasked with surveying DOC staff, DOC facility residents, and advocacy groups to gather their input on what they would like to see in the new facility. An executive summary of the survey findings for facility staff, facility residents, and advocacy groups can be accessed through the following links:
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.
List of commonly used acronyms:
- APC – Architectural Program Consultant (CGL)
- CTF – Correctional Treatment Facility
- CDF – Central Detention Facility
- DGS – Department of General Services
- DMPED – Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
- DOC – Department of Corrections