In a significant shift for Detroit's approach to criminal justice, Wayne County has taken the reins of the new Criminal Justice Center, as per Bedrock Detroit's completion of the state-of-the-art facility. The handover, which took place on March 18, marks a transition from antiquated penal institutions to a modern complex aimed to streamline judicial proceedings and improve conditions for both staff and detainees.

The newly minted complex, sprawling across 11 acres in the shadow of I-75 on East Warren Avenue, boasts five buildings replete with a criminal courthouse, 2,280-bed jail, juvenile detention facilities, and 1,400 office spaces dedicated to various justice departments. With this grand opening, "We're ushering in a new era for our justice system," Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans told FOX 2, expressing a commitment to excellence and innovation in the way justice is administered in the county.

The county's move to the new center is expected to happen within six months as they vacate the existing jails, including the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice, which will be turned over to Bedrock as part of the development bargain struck back in 2018. "This center symbolizes our dedication to turning challenges into opportunities," Evans emphasized in a statement obtained by CBS News Detroit.

However, the transition has come with financial hurdles. The original budget set for the Justice Complex design and construction was $533.6 million. Due to various unforeseen circumstances, including the unexpected shutdown of Detroit's primary solid waste incinerator and the subsequent need for an alternative utility plant, the total now hovers around $670.7 million. Wayne County Commission Chair Alisha Bell praised the accomplishment stating that "Wayne County will lead the state and nation in providing modern, state-of-the-art facilities," in a statement reported by CBS News Detroit.

Despite the financial uptick, the project's change orders have been minimal. County officials are looking to provide a comprehensive tally of expenses by early May, to highlight their stewardship of public funds. "There’s only been roughly $3 million in change orders throughout this entire project to date," Corporation Counsel James Heath shared with the Detroit Free Press.

Bedrock has not publicly announced plans for the old buildings but is expected to demolish them. Meanwhile, the future of the William Dickerson Detention Facility in Hamtramck remains in the county's hands, although it will transfer juveniles and staff to the new complex. This move is set against the backdrop of the 2018 deal collapsed under the weight of spiraling costs that exceeded the Gratiot site's $300 million budget by $91 million, leading to the current partnership with Bedrock.