SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The iconic Stateville prison, featured in films and notorious for housing infamous criminals, is set to close its doors after nearly 100 years of operation. The prison, which has been in disrepair for years, will see the transfer of its inmates following a federal court ruling mandating urgent safety measures.
Illinois officials announced plans for a $900 million state-of-the-art correctional facility to replace the aging Stateville, which opened in 1925. The proposed new campus may also include a women’s prison and is expected to take three to five years for completion. However, details regarding design plans, demolition timelines, or the future of prison staff remain unclear.
Acting Corrections Director Latoya Hughes stated that the decision to close the prison was made to address significant safety and security concerns, emphasizing the need to maintain a safe environment for both staff and inmates. The facility’s closing follows a decade-old lawsuit that highlighted severe health risks due to the aging infrastructure.
The Illinois Department of Corrections has been under scrutiny for its management of Stateville, with a recent infrastructure report citing a staggering $286 million in maintenance backlogs. Issues such as crumbling concrete, poor water quality, and hazardous living conditions were focal points in the court’s decision to evacuate the facility’s 430 inmates by the end of September.
While the closure is seen as a necessary step, many employees and service providers have expressed concerns over the disruption of vital programs and the impact on a seasoned staff that has developed strong community ties. Calls for clarity about the transition process and the fate of educational and social programs for inmates have gone largely unanswered by department officials.
As the state prepares for this significant change, challenges loom ahead. Current staff at Stateville may face longer commutes to other facilities, with some employees already experiencing the stress of increased travel times. The future of Stateville’s operations, including plans for maintenance and inmate transfers, remains a pressing concern for many involved.
