If the decision is to build the new facility, it's down to a couple of locations, down town Loudon or at the Justice Center. Some like the idea of building down town for the economic good of the city. Some prefer the Justice Center location for the benefits improving officer safety by eliminating the transportation of prisoners from the Justice Center to an off site facility and the costs savings of the same.

The location down town under consideration is what's referred to as the old Bacon Creamery site. It's located on the right side of the of Hwy. 11 as you come across the bridge. It's a portion of a 12 acre property the city/LUB purchased a couple years ago. This acreage also includes the old Hutch Manufacturing property that the city has been demolishing for the last several months. According to county records, Loudon/LUB purchased the 12 acres of property for $1,000,000.00. The new Annex/Criminal Justice Building with parking would need a couple of acres. This location is approximately 3 miles from the Justice Center.  

Down Town Location, The New Annex/Criminal Justice Building Would Be
Located North Of The Intersection Of Gay Street And Hackberry Street

The other location under consideration is adjacent to the Justice Center. This location would would allow the county to have all judicial and jail systems together for the first time since 1975 and as mentioned above, greatly enhanced officer safety by eliminating the transportation of felony inmates off site. The only argument against the Justice Center site is the current lack of parking. Parking could easily be expanded with the construction of the new facility. The old courthouse only has 15 parking spaces. 

Whatever is the decision of the commission, hopefully we can get moving on the project ASAP or just wait the old courthouse is rebuilt, and move back in there.