In 2021, Putnam County, Tennessee, was looking to expand its existing justice center to accommodate growing needs for correctional space and improve operational efficiency. With limited site space and a need to maintain the facility’s architectural integrity, the county required a unique solution. Tindall Corporation was selected to lead the precast concrete portion of the project, bringing its expertise to create a total precast solution that would maximize space, enhance safety, and complement the existing aesthetic of the facility.
Owner
Putnam County
Architect
Cope Associates
Contractor
Bell Construction Co.
Location
Cookeville, TN
Construction of the 36,788-square-foot addition began in April 2022. Due to the space constraints and the need for unobstructed sightlines within the dayrooms, Tindall’s solution was to convert the existing design into a total precast structure that utilized a mixture of total precast and structural cell modules. This design eliminated the need for interior columns, allowing for an open dayroom layout with improved visibility, enhancing both safety and operational efficiency.
This solution ultimately saved the county money by reducing the need for additional materials. Additionally, the use of precast concrete accelerated the construction timeline, reducing labor costs and minimizing disruptions to the facility’s ongoing operations.
Maintaining a cohesive appearance with the existing architecture was a critical aspect of the project. To achieve this, Tindall matched the brick exterior of the current facility by casting brick into the backs of the precast modules and supporting wall panels. This technique allowed the new addition to blend seamlessly with the original structure, preserving the building’s aesthetic while providing a durable, low-maintenance exterior finish.
The use of total precast construction allowed for a condensed project schedule, with erection beginning on December 28, 2022, and completed by March 16, 2023—well ahead of the overall project closeout in June 2024. The result was a cost-effective, high-quality expansion that met all of Putnam County’s needs.
The Putnam County Justice Center expansion is a perfect showcase of Tindall’s expertise in designing and executing innovative precast concrete solutions. The result? A modern, efficient, and visually cohesive facility that will serve the county for years to come.
