Treanor Architects

Detention, Treatment and Education Complex

The Johnson County Youth & Family Services Center is a LEED Platinum-certified 33-bed minimum-security, therapy-based facility located north of the county’s medium/maximum security juvenile detention center. The center was designed to convey a welcoming, inviting and non-threatening image that encourages use of early intervention services, and supports the rehabilitation and treatment of juveniles who require low-level detention.

To this end, designers utilized soft interior finishes that mitigate the impression of detention. Abundant natural light and outdoor spaces support therapy in a secure environment. The building facade features a combination of limestone, decorative burnished concrete block, sustainable hard woods and glass. With no perimeter fencing, the facility has a warm appearance and blends into the surrounding neighborhood while maintaining a civic presence.

Treanor provided comprehensive design services including complete pre-design, design and construction administration services. The new facility shares kitchen and laundry services with the existing juvenile detention facility, saving project costs by not duplicating services at the site. The location of the new facility creates a juvenile services complex for assisting the families and youth of Johnson County.