Brooklyn Detention Center Construction Progresses with Facade Installation

New 15-story jail complex in Boerum Hill raises questions about the future of incarceration in NYC

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:07am

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Construction on a new 712,150-square-foot, 15-story detention center at 275 Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn's Boerum Hill neighborhood is rapidly progressing, with the installation of the building's facade now underway. The $3 billion project, designed by architecture firm HOK, is part of New York City's plan to replace the aging Rikers Island jail complex with modern facilities in each borough.

Why it matters

The scale and design of the new Brooklyn Detention Center, which will house 1,040 inmates, reflects the city's approach to criminal justice reform and incarceration. While the inclusion of community facility space suggests an effort to integrate the jail into the neighborhood, the project's sheer size and cost raise questions about whether it will truly address systemic issues in the criminal justice system.

The details

The new detention center is replacing the old Brooklyn Detention Complex that had stood since 1957. The modern design features interlocking volumes, a central reveal, and a facade of floor-to-ceiling glass framed by sculpted terracotta panels and bronze-hued screens. The project also includes 30,000 square feet of community facility space, though the integration of punitive and community-oriented functions remains a challenge.

  • Construction on the new Brooklyn Detention Center began in 2023.
  • The facade installation is currently underway in April 2026.
  • The project is expected to be completed in 2029.

The players

HOK

The architecture firm designing the new Brooklyn Detention Center.

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What they’re saying

“The sheer size and modern design, with its interlocking volumes and a distinct "central reveal," suggest a move towards a more controlled, perhaps even more efficient, system of detention.”

— Author

“The $3 billion price tag is also a stark reminder of the financial commitment involved in this city-wide plan to replace Rikers Island. It's a monumental investment, and it begs the question of whether these new facilities will truly address the systemic issues that have plagued the current system, or if they represent a costly evolution of the same challenges.”

— Author

What’s next

The new Brooklyn Detention Center is expected to be completed in 2029, marking a significant milestone in New York City's ongoing efforts to reform its criminal justice system and replace the aging Rikers Island jail complex.

The takeaway

The construction of the new Brooklyn Detention Center reflects the city's ambitious plan to modernize its correctional infrastructure, but the scale, cost, and integration of the facility into the surrounding community raise questions about whether this project will truly address the systemic issues that have plagued the criminal justice system.