A $50 million project to reshape Minnehaha County's Juvenile Detention Center is nearing a crucial step in a plan to create a "one-stop shop" for juvenile justice that officials say will bring widespread improvements to the facility.

Media recently went on a tour inside the building while construction is ongoing. Here's a look at what we learned:

What's being built?

The finished project, which will be referred to as the Juvenile Justice Center, will have 64 beds — up from a current capacity of 40 — a more secure and private entrance to the facility and multiple housing units that will allow for more space.

Built in 1969, the center currently averages 30 juveniles a day, who stay for an average of 30 days.

The center has continued to operate while Phase 1 of the project is constructed,

See Full Page