New Codington County Detention Center Takes Shape as Crews Push to Pave Before Snow

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Construction is advancing steadily at the new Codington County Detention Center site, with interior block walls rising and exterior paving preparations underway.

Commissioner Lee Gabel updated the Codington County Commissioners on the facility's progress during their recent meeting, following a biweekly progress meeting among the project's owner, architect, and contractor.

"It's mostly in construction and it's the interior walls and all the window and door frames that are going in," Gabel said. "So you start to see the different interior spaces taking shape."

The update highlighted the amount of ongoing cinder block work, particularly in Area C of the facility, which will eventually house the Codington County Sheriff's Office.

In Area A, crews have already poured most of the concrete flooring. The county is also taking proactive steps to prepare an unfinished portion of the building to reduce future expansion costs. The county has issued a request for proposals to install a concrete floor and rough plumbing in that zone.

"We have a request for proposals out for that floor in the shelf space to just concrete that in and put the plumbing there," Gabel explained. "And then that'll save some money in the future if they ever do need to make use of that shelf space as cell space someday."

Outside the building, curb and gutter installations are beginning. Construction crews are currently working against the changing seasons to complete the initial paving around the facility's perimeter.

"The idea is to get the first layer of asphalt down before the going around the facility before the snow flies," Gabel said.

The update concluded the new business portion of the meeting. Chairman Troy VanDusen called for public comment, but no one called or came forward before concluding the Session.