Bingham County Jail Addition
Blackfoot, Idaho / 2025
In 2022, Bingham County faced a challenge—their jail had reached capacity and they needed a solution that went beyond simply adding more cells. They envisioned a space where inmates could earn the right to live in a better environment, one that was well-lit, open, and more conducive to rehabilitation. Lombard Conrad Architects helped bring this vision to life by designing three housing dorms featuring a carpeted TV area with individual seating, a communal space with tables, and a dedicated video visitation area for privacy. A new control room and dedicated workplace for officer’s were added to support facility operations.
Integrating the expansion into the existing jail posed a challenge, as the original layout wasn’t designed for growth. To solve this, a new exterior hallway was constructed, fitted with skylights to meet jail standards for natural daylight while improving circulation. Beyond the jail expansion, the County also sought upgrades to the existing jail and courthouse. The booking area was remodeled to improve workflow and include two new holding cells. A small courtroom was expanded by relocating the Elections office, which was then remodeled to better accommodate ballot processing and voting machines. Public restrooms in the courthouse were also updated to meet ADA standards.
By the project’s completion, Bingham County successfully implemented all planned improvements. The expansion added 75 new beds across three dorms, while upgrades to the courthouse and jail improved efficiency, accessibility, and overall functionality. This project not only addressed immediate capacity issues but also created a more rehabilitative and effective justice facility for the County’s future.