Juvenile Justice Center Modifications in Killeen, TX

The Bell County Juvenile Justice Center in Killeen has completed its renovation, passing the final TDLR accessibility inspection in September 2026. This modification project at 4800 E Rancier Ave involved upgrading the existing single-story facility with a total estimated cost of $1,300,000. The work covered 17,000 square feet of the building, resulting in a cost of $76 per square foot for the alterations.

BLGY Architecture served as the design firm of record for this project. The scope of work included specific functional upgrades to the juvenile justice facility. Key components of the renovation were the addition of toilets to four sleeping rooms and the installation of a new HVAC system in an existing gym. The project also involved upgrades to the security and access control system, while fencing upgrades were handled under a separate permit.

Project Timeline and Status

Bell County, the owner of record, registered the project with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) in October 2025. Plan review was completed in December 2025, and construction began in February 2026. The filing listed an anticipated completion date of August 2026, but the final inspection was not passed until September 2026. The TDLR status is now marked as Inspection Complete, confirming the work is finished.

Robert Ronson is the registered accessibility specialist associated with this filing. The project utilized public funds, as it involves public land and public facilities. This renovation is one of several projects managed by Bell County, which has other TDLR-registered facilities in Belton and Killeen, including the Killeen Annex and the Bell County Diversion Center.

In the context of Bell County construction, this project's estimated cost is above the county median for renovation and alteration filings. The scheduled build window of 202 days was longer than the county median of 120 days for similar work. However, the cost per square foot of $76 is below the county median of $93. The facility is located in Killeen, a city in Bell County with a population of approximately 33,713 according to U.S. Census estimates for the 76543 ZIP code.

The completion of this project marks the end of the construction phase for these specific modifications. The facility is now fully updated with the new restrooms, climate control in the gym, and enhanced security systems. This renovation contributes to the broader infrastructure of juvenile justice services in the Killeen area.