This institutional project is located on the Vel R. Phillips Youth and Family Justice Center campus. The $30M project includes 17,200 square feet of strategic renovations within the existing building and 26,300 square feet of new two-story additions. Once completed, the SRCCCY will function as a trauma-informed, secure residential facility focused on rehabilitation, education, and skill-building for Milwaukee County youth.

Working in an active institutional environment presented unique challenges. Because portions of the existing building remained occupied throughout construction, Lee Mechanical had to carefully coordinate shutdowns and access windows. Much of the new plumbing was installed beneath an active second floor. To maintain operations without disruption, Lee’s BIM team laid out the entire plumbing system virtually, positioning piping below finished surfaces and within walls before crews were granted physical access to those spaces. When access finally became available, the plumbing was already in place, allowing installation and tie-ins to proceed efficiently.

Adding new construction onto an existing building also required significant rerouting of utilities, many of which had to remain live throughout the project. There was no room for error. Ceiling and wall cavities were extremely tight due to the increased MEP scope associated with correctional environments. Security facilities require more mechanical, electrical, and plumbing components than a typical commercial building, making BIM coordination critical. Every pipe, conduit, and fixture location had to be carefully planned to ensure compliance with security requirements while still maintaining serviceability.

The SRCCCY project represents more than a building expansion — it is part of a broader shift in the juvenile justice system. The new facility will support a 32-bed program that offers 28 male and 4 female beds. Its design blends the security of a correctional setting with the look and feel of a residential and educational environment. Large windows, thoughtful landscaping, warm interior finishes, and trauma-informed design elements create a space intended to support healing rather than punishment. Youth will have access to learning spaces, a gym, a culinary kitchen, medical and dental services, and areas dedicated to therapy and educational programming.

Milwaukee County intends for the SRCCCY to help reduce reliance on state-operated youth prisons and keep youth closer to home, aligning with Wisconsin Act 185 legislation created to reform the state’s juvenile justice system. With expanded capacity and improved programming space, the new facility is designed to eliminate waitlists and keep youth connected to family and support systems during rehabilitation.

Construction is expected to be completed by November 2025, with the facility becoming operational in early 2026. Lee Mechanical is proud to contribute to a project that strengthens the community by creating a safe, supportive, and developmentally appropriate environment for youth. Through precise coordination, technical expertise, and a deep commitment to quality, Lee’s work ensures the building’s plumbing systems function seamlessly within this highly secure and mission-critical environment.