Jonathan Delagrave Youth Development and Care Center
A new chapter in youth justice
When Racine County set out to reimagine youth justice, they weren’t just looking for a new building, they were looking for a new beginning. The county’s existing youth facility, a windowless wing of a former office building, didn’t reflect what we now understand about trauma, healing, or the potential for change.
Supported by a state grant and a bold vision for the future, Racine County worked with the Treanor Justice team and Wisconsin-based architecture firm Ramlow Stein to create something radically different: a trauma-informed, education-focused, and treatment-centered environment designed to serve not only Racine County but also seven surrounding counties. The result is the Jonathan Delagrave Youth Development and Care Center, a 70,000-square-foot facility that redefines what detention design can and should be.
Designing for healing, not just holding
From the start, the design challenge was clear: create a secure facility that doesn’t feel like one. That meant going beyond traditional correctional architecture and embracing a human-centered approach that balances safety with dignity, structure with support, and accountability with opportunity.
The facility houses 48 youth in six 8-bed residential units, each with its own multi-purpose room, quiet space, and access to a private courtyard. The design supports a full seven-hour school day, after-school programs, and evening enrichment, with dedicated classrooms and flexible spaces for learning and creativity. These aren’t just places to stay, they’re places to grow.
Family reunification is also a fundamental goal for the design. The facility offers welcoming visitor areas where families can share meals and special moments together. At the heart of the campus is a vibrant central courtyard, a multi-use quad that functions as an outdoor classroom, recreation area, dining space, and gathering place. It serves as a physical and symbolic center of connection, surrounded by spaces that promote healing, learning, and community.
Trauma-informed, future-focused
This project is a case study in trauma-informed design. Every material, lighting choice, and spatial relationship was selected to reduce stress, support mental health, and foster resilience. Natural light floods the interiors with views of surrounding wetlands and a teaching garden. Normative design elements, furniture, finishes, and colors that feel familiar and non-institutional create a sense of normalcy and respect.
Safety and security remain paramount to the design. The layout allows for clear sightlines and efficient staff supervision, minimizing the need for excessive personnel while maximizing safety. Technology is integrated seamlessly to support operations without disrupting human experience.
Moving toward zero-detention goals
Racine County is leading the way in progressive justice reform by moving toward a zero-detention model. This facility will serve an estimated 400 youth annually, offering them both a place to stay and a path forward. The center is a space that meets them where they are, without underestimating where they can go.
For the Racine County community, the facility is also a symbol of hope and investment. For the justice system, it serves as a blueprint for what’s possible. And for us, as architects, it’s a powerful reminder of why we do what we do: to create spaces that heal society, increase resiliency through design, and help people come back stronger and whole.
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