San Patricio Juvenile Center Expansion in Sinton, TX

The San Patricio Juvenile Detention Center Expansion adds 3,290 square feet of new office space to the facility at 107 W 5th Street in Sinton. This detached structure includes offices, a conference room, a waiting area, and a break room, expanding the county's juvenile detention capabilities. The project is registered as a new construction effort by San Patricio County, with an estimated cost of $800,000. According to the TDLR record, the project has not yet recorded a final inspection, meaning the current operational status of the site is not confirmed in the public record.

Project Scope and Design

Levy-Dykema serves as the design firm of record for this expansion. The scope is strictly limited to the new detached building, which is designed to house administrative and support functions separate from the existing detention center. Steve R Zoerner is the registered accessibility specialist associated with the filing. The project utilizes public funds and is located on public land, ensuring compliance with federal and state accessibility standards.

The construction timeline was scheduled to begin in November 2024, with a planned completion date of February 2025. Plan review was completed in September 2024, allowing for a rapid start. The estimated cost per square foot is $243, a figure that reflects the specialized nature of the interior fit-out for detention and office use. This cost point is above the county median for similar new construction projects, which stands at $200 per square foot.

Context and Comparison

In San Patricio County, the median estimated cost for new construction filings is $1,100,000. This project’s $800,000 budget is below that median, indicating a focused, mid-sized investment. The scheduled build window of 89 days is shorter than the county median of 244 days, suggesting a streamlined construction process. San Patricio County has six other TDLR-registered projects totaling over $92 million, including the San Patricio County Justice Center and the County Courthouse, highlighting the county’s ongoing investment in public infrastructure.

The surrounding area, ZIP code 78387, has a population of approximately 9,604 residents. The median household income in this area is $48,000, and the median owner-occupied home value is $122,400. These Census estimates provide context for the local community in which this public facility operates. The project remains a significant addition to the Sinton commercial and civic landscape, serving the broader San Patricio County jurisdiction.