Excavation and pilings are underway for the Manhattan Detention Center, a 16-story mixed-use jail complex at 125 White Street in Chinatown, Manhattan. Designed by HOK, the 353-foot-tall structure will span 1,053,671 square feet with holding cells, a community facility space, and ground-floor retail space. The $3.9 billion project will also include a 125-vehicle parking garage and three commercial loading berths. The property is bounded by Walker Street to the north, the Manhattan Criminal Court Building to the south, Baxter Street to the east, and Centre Street to the west.
Demolition concluded since our last on-site update in August 2024, when the last remaining sections of the Manhattan Detention Complex (MDC) were being razed. A team of excavators has begun unearthing the lot while piling machines prep the ground. Telescopic boom cranes are being used to move materials across the vast property, which has left a large void in the dense Lower Manhattan streetscape. Below-grade work should steadily progress through summer and autumn, followed by foundation work toward the end of the year.
125 White Street. Photo by Michael Young.
125 White Street. Photo by Michael Young.
125 White Street. Photo by Michael Young.
125 White Street. Photo by Michael Young.
125 White Street. Photo by Michael Young.
125 White Street. Photo by Michael Young.
125 White Street. Photo by Michael Young.
125 White Street. Photo by Michael Young.
The above main rendering looks south along Baxter Street at the detention center, which will consist of two connected rectangular volumes bisected at ground level by White Street. The façade will be composed of glass and copper-colored paneling, creating a much lighter impression than its visually imposing predecessor.
The below image previews the facility from Columbus Park.
Manhattan Detention Center. Designed by HOK.
The following plan shows the layout of the facility’s programming. The larger northern volume will house the lobby, while the loading docks will be located in the narrower wing across the White Street pedestrian arcade.
Manhattan Detention Center. Diagram courtesy of the NYC Department of Design and Construction.
The below images show landscaping in the pedestrian arcade and around the plaza, which will also feature numerous tables for staff and visitors.
Manhattan Detention Center pedestrian arcade. Designed by HOK.
Manhattan Detention Center pedestrian arcade. Designed by HOK.
The facility is located just below the Canal Street stations, served by the 6, J, Z, N, Q, R, and W trains.
125 White Street’s completion date is expected around February 2032.
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Looks pretty snazzy. I wouldn’t mind doing time there!
How long do you think it will take until the NYPD turns that arcade space into a parking lot due to “security concerns”?
How many units will be affordable?
Crime does pay, for someone.
I predict cost over runs and a request for an extra billion. Six months after finishing the toilets won’t work , lol
Not to mention but at $4 billion for 16 floors isn’t that $250 million a floor. Damm that’s luxury.