The city of Philadelphia faced a challenge: how to replace the outdated, 50-year-old Youth Study Center with a modern facility that truly serves its youth. ‘The old Youth Study Center was well beyond its useful life,’ said James Lowe, Project Director for the city’s Department of Public Property. With today’s youth requiring spaces that promote growth and efficiency, the new Juvenile Justice Services Center (JJSC) was designed as a beacon of hope for pre-adjudicated youths aged 13-20, offering education and rehabilitation while awaiting case dispositions.

Blending Form, Function & Security

The city of Philadelphia really wanted to provide a facility that would address the needs of the kids in Philadelphia,” said Vern Almon, principal and senior justice planner at KMD Architects. “One of the design objectives was that it not look or feel confining, like a lot of other detention facilities.”

The 5-acre site is located in an urban area, and the city felt the new facility should integrate architecturally with the two-story brick row houses that dominate the neighborhood.

  • Furnishings Goal: The new facility would serve adolescents, many of whom can exhibit behavioral issues. The city’s objective was to create an environment conducive to learning, that also addressed vital safety and security concerns.
  • Secure/Safe Goal: Furniture that could be securely anchored to the floor or wall, with no gaps in construction to allow the concealment of contraband.
  • Functional Goal: Furniture that is extremely durable, with surfaces that are easy to clean and maintain. Furnishings should have rounded edges for safety and security.
  • Aesthetic Goal: Create an environment where form meets function – a residential educational setting with the necessary security component.

Selecting the Right Furniture for Juvenile Justice

During the design phase, consultative sales specialists Joe Eustace and Dave MacKinnon presented furniture recommendations to the design team and decision makers from DHS/Juvenile Justice, consistent with the facility’s operational requirements. Specifications were established with Norix Attenda® Series molded dormitory furniture as basis of design. Throughout the multiple phases of the project, the Norix sales specialists presented the transition team with a wide variety of furniture options for sleeping rooms, classrooms, dayrooms and dining areas. Hondo® Series seating was selected for the dayrooms – based on the comfort, durability and seamless construction – along with X-Based Tables and Integra chairs. Max-Master Tables® were selected for the dining areas for superior stability and security. Norix professional installation team installed the furnishings in the fall of 2012.

attenda dorm room furniture
maxmaster tables for prisons
integra seating for jails

Building Beyond Detention: A Facility Designed for Growth and Care

The $110 million Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center opened in December 2012. The new facility has dormitory spaces for 192 juveniles, 10 classrooms for the educational programs directed by the School District of Philadelphia, two courtrooms with judges’ chambers, and conference rooms for visitation and programs administered by social-services providers. It also includes a wellness clinic, gymnasium, outdoor recreation spaces and a garden (not typical in a detention environment).

“The facility is bright and cheerful while maintaining the safeguards and welfare of the community,” said James Lowe. “This education-oriented juvenile facility focuses on providing spaces where youth counselors are given the technology and environment to utilize their skills in working with youth to encourage positive behaviors.”

James Lowe, Project Director for the Philadelphia’s Department of Public Property

Pioneering Spaces for Youth Development & Security

The Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center is more than just a facility—it’s a commitment to providing a secure, supportive, and growth-oriented environment for the city’s youth. By blending safety with compassion, functionality with design, and education with rehabilitation, the JJSC has redefined what juvenile justice facilities can achieve.

This forward-thinking approach reflects Philadelphia’s dedication to empowering young people while maintaining community welfare. With durable, safe, and thoughtfully designed furniture from Norix, the center has set a new benchmark for juvenile justice, ensuring that youth receive the care, structure, and opportunities they need to thrive.

As the JJSC continues to serve the Philadelphia community, it stands as a model for how secure environments can foster positive change and build brighter futures.

Ready to Bring Your Vision to Life?

If you’re planning a facility that balances safety, durability, and human-centered design, Norix can help. Schedule a call with a Norix representative to explore solutions tailored to your project’s unique needs.

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