Milwaukee County Center for Youth / Wauwatosa, WI

Continuum and Dewberry developed a feasibility analysis of the Vel Phillips Juvenile Justice Center along with programming, conceptual plans, schematic design, furniture and equipment selection, finishes, and a final estimate. This study allowed the county to move forward on the design of a new 32 bed (16 beds in the existing facility and 16 new beds in the addition) SRCCCY facility.

Continuum’s approach combined the secure, safe aspects of a correctional youth detention facility with the warm, comfortable, open, and uplifting aspects of an educational/residential facility to create a unique learning environment. This center will feature outdoor recreation space, medical facilities, dental suite, behavioral health offices, visitation area, dining area, and a culinary arts classroom. Milwaukee County has set forth a vision to “establish a safe, positive, and developmentally appropriate treatment environment that promotes accountability, protects the community, reduces recidivism, and returns youth to our community with the skills needed to become successful and productive citizens.”