Carlton County Justice Center

The Carlton County Justice Center is a 117,000-square-foot facility that brings essential county functions together under one roof, enhancing efficiency and collaboration. Constructed following LEED guidelines in Carlton, MN, the center replaced a 1970s-era jail and a 1922 courthouse. This state-of-the-art facility includes an 85-bed jail with 15 classification separations to support inmate well-being, along with a 16-bed regional unit for women facing codependency challenges. Designed with a focus on rehabilitation, the jail includes programming spaces, contact visitation areas for families, and outdoor recreation areas.

The Justice Center features three modern courtrooms with judicial support spaces such as judge’s chambers, court administration offices, interview rooms, and exhibit storage. A centralized security checkpoint ensures visitor safety and efficient flow. Additionally, the sheriff’s office now integrates patrol, investigations, dispatch, and evidence processing into a cohesive workspace.

Originally planned as a jail addition to the existing downtown site, the project evolved into a comprehensive greenfield development encompassing courts, law enforcement, and jail facilities. This strategic decision allowed Carlton County to address long-term growth, incorporate advanced programming for inmate recovery, and modernize community services.