Excavation Underway For $3.9B, 1M SF Manhattan Detention Center in Chinatown

• Excavation and piling work is underway for the new Manhattan Detention Center at 125 White Street in Chinatown.
• The $3.9 billion, 16-story project will span more than 1 million square feet and include detention facilities, community space, ground-floor retail, and a parking garage.
• The facility, designed by HOK, is expected to be completed in February 2032 as part of New York City's borough-based jail program.

What the Project Includes

Construction has entered the excavation phase for the new Manhattan Detention Center at 125 White Street in Chinatown, following the demolition of the former Manhattan Detention Complex. The 16-story, 353-foot-tall facility will encompass approximately 1,053,671 square feet and is being designed by HOK. The $3.9 billion development will include holding cells, community facility space, ground-floor retail, a 125-space parking garage, and three commercial loading berths. The site occupies a full city block bounded by Walker Street, Centre Street, Baxter Street, and the Manhattan Criminal Court Building.

What Construction Looks Like Today

With demolition now complete, crews have begun excavation and foundation preparation across the site. Multiple excavators and piling machines are currently working below grade while telescopic cranes move materials throughout the property. Foundation work is expected to begin later this year following several months of earthwork. The project has created one of the largest active construction sites in Lower Manhattan after replacing the former detention complex.

What the Design Includes

New renderings show a significantly different architectural approach from the previous jail. The building will feature two connected rectangular towers separated at street level by a pedestrian arcade along White Street. The façade combines expansive glass with copper-colored metal panels, creating a lighter and more contemporary appearance than the former detention facility. Plans also call for landscaped public areas, outdoor seating, and a plaza designed for staff and visitors. Inside, the larger northern building will contain the main lobby, while loading operations will be concentrated in the narrower southern wing.

What This Means for New York City's Jail System

The Manhattan Detention Center is a key component of New York City's borough-based jail replacement program, which aims to replace the aging Rikers Island complex with modern detention facilities closer to the city's courts. Located near the Canal Street subway stations, the facility will provide convenient access to multiple transit lines while supporting nearby judicial operations. Once completed in February 2032, it will become one of the largest civic construction projects currently underway in Manhattan.