BELL Construction, broke ground on the new Williamson County Adult Detention Center, a 230,000-square-foot facility designed to support the county’s detention staff, inmates and essential justice services. The facility will provide a more secure and streamlined environment for both staff and inmates. The project will include 596 beds, 18 housing pods, 260 prefabricated metal cells and a 70,000-square-foot parking garage with 156 secure parking stalls.
“Justice facilities must have high safety and security standards, but they also have to work well for everyone inside them,” said Rick Bruining, director of justice at BELL Construction. “BELL is proud to bring our justice-sector experience to a project that requires careful coordination, durable construction and an understanding of how these spaces serve staff, people in custody and the greater Williamson County community.”
Beyond its housing capacity, the Adult Detention Center addresses the daily realities of operating a modern detention facility. The new center will include central intake, booking, transfer and release spaces; court services for magistrates and warrants; laundry and food service facilities; medical and dental facilities; an infirmary; mental health housing; indoor and outdoor recreation areas; and multipurpose spaces for programs, education and rehabilitation activities.
The Adult Detention Center also places a strong emphasis on staff support. Planned staff areas include administrative offices, collaborative workspaces, fitness, training and locker room facilities, secure parking, respite areas and break spaces indoors and outdoors.
“Williamson County has experienced tremendous growth over the past several decades, and our public safety infrastructure must grow with it,” said Williamson County Sheriff Jeff Hughes. “This new jail represents thoughtful planning, responsible leadership and a commitment to providing our Sheriff’s Office with the resources necessary to adequately serve our community, our staff and our inmate population for generations to come.”
The new Adult Detention Center is part of Williamson County’s multi-phase effort to update county facilities that strengthen justice and detention services as the county continues to grow. It is the second project to break ground, following the Juvenile Justice Center in March 2026.
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