ITASCA COUNTY JAIL- Grand Rapids

Completed in 2024, the Itasca County Jail project involved the design and construction of a new commercial kitchen to serve a 285-capacity county jail in northern Minnesota. The design phase began in August 2020, and the project aimed to address the growing needs of the facility. The 2,600 square foot kitchen was designed to be operated by both foodservice employees and inmate labor, necessitating dedicated space for knife storage and equipment built to correctional standards. The open kitchen plan allows for easy supervision from a glass-lined office, providing clear views from hot production areas to the dish room.

The primary goal of the project was to expand the level of service the facility could provide, as the previous kitchen had outgrown its usefulness. This renovation and addition aimed to enhance operational efficiency and security. Notably, the new kitchen was relocated within the secure perimeter of the jail, unlike the previous setup. The project also included strategic placement of storage spaces to minimize the frequency of food distributor deliveries to once a week, and the inclusion of a tray line assembly area and dish room with cart wash to separate clean and soiled carts.

One of the significant challenges was adhering to the project budget while maintaining operational efficiency and functionality. This involved a substantial value engineering exercise, where some existing equipment from the previous facility was reused, and custom equipment was substituted with more cost-effective alternatives. Despite these adjustments, the project successfully maintained the required level of throughput and operational standards. The kitchen’s design also incorporated security measures to ensure safe and efficient operation, with a larger tray assembly area and strategically placed hot and cold prep zones.

The new kitchen not only meets the needs of the Itasca County Jail but also provides a flexible and secure environment for food preparation and service. The successful completion of this project highlights Rippe Associates’ ability to deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions tailored to the unique requirements of correctional facilities.