CHICAGO — The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) and the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) have announced a major milestone in the state’s correctional infrastructure overhaul, naming the joint venture of Vanir Construction Management, Inc. and Milhouse Engineering & Construction, Inc. as the official Construction Manager and Owner’s Advisor for the state’s ambitious RISE IDOC initiative.
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The Rehabilitation and Restoration Inside Safe Environments (RISE IDOC) program marks a historic investment in correctional reform and infrastructure modernization. Designed to rebuild and reimagine the Stateville and Logan Correctional Centers, the initiative aims to improve safety, expand vocational opportunities, and foster therapeutic environments that reduce recidivism and support long-term rehabilitation.
According to the joint announcement, RISE IDOC represents “a critical step in modernizing Illinois’ correctional infrastructure,” signaling a transition from outdated, high-maintenance facilities toward 21st-century institutions focused on rehabilitation and reintegration.
Both correctional centers—Stateville, constructed in 1925, and Logan, with buildings dating back to the 1930s—have suffered from decades of deferred maintenance and deteriorating conditions. IDOC described both sites as experiencing “significant deterioration,” emphasizing that the aging infrastructure has strained operations and compromised safety.
The Vanir-Milhouse Joint Venture will oversee the design, construction, and modernization process, ensuring that new facilities meet IDOC’s evolving mission to balance security with humanity. The partnership is expected to not only transform the state’s correctional landscape but also stimulate significant economic growth through job creation in construction, design, and ongoing facility operations.
“RISE IDOC is an exciting opportunity to reimagine correctional infrastructure to better serve individuals in custody, staff and the communities of Illinois,” said IDOC Director Latoya Hughes, who was recently confirmed in her role.
The initiative builds upon Gov. JB Pritzker’s broader commitment to prison reform and infrastructure renewal. In March 2024, the Governor announced dedicated funding to address critical needs at the Stateville and Logan facilities, proposing $900 million in new funds within the FY25 capital budget for their reconstruction.
This funding follows years of mounting pressure to overhaul facilities plagued by aging infrastructure and poor conditions. At Stateville, a preliminary class action injunction issued in August 2024 ordered the transfer of all inmates due to unsafe conditions, though more than 20 individuals remained as of early 2025.
Meanwhile, Logan Correctional Center, which houses female inmates, has faced multiple lawsuits alleging sexual assault, harassment, and retaliation, amplifying calls for reform and accountability.
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Under the RISE IDOC plan, new facilities will be designed to enhance staff wellness, operational safety, and rehabilitation programs that prepare individuals for successful re-entry into society.
“Our goal is to create spaces that prioritize rehabilitation, re-entry and wellness while enhancing safety and operational efficiency,” added Director Hughes. “We thank the Governor for taking this bold step toward modernization and look forward to collaborating with Vanir/Milhouse, CDB and all stakeholders throughout the planning and design process to ensure the future of these facilities is shaped to reflect the needs and perspectives of everyone involved.”
The Illinois CDB Executive Director, TJ Edwards, emphasized that the selected firms bring the expertise needed for such a large-scale transformation. “The selection of the Vanir/Milhouse Joint Venture team ensures this impactful project will benefit from the industry expertise it deserves,” Edwards said. “CDB is proud to lead this effort alongside IDOC, advancing a commitment to progress, safety and rehabilitation.”
In the coming months, the RISE IDOC team will begin extensive community and vendor engagement, focusing on promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the project. IDOC and CDB officials said they will work closely with local partners to ensure that minority- and women-owned businesses have access to opportunities throughout the project lifecycle.
As design work begins, IDOC will also explore modern correctional models that incorporate natural light, expanded classroom and workshop space, and trauma-informed design principles. Officials emphasized that the project will not only rebuild aging facilities but redefine what correctional architecture looks like in Illinois.
With the combined leadership of Vanir and Milhouse, the RISE IDOC initiative aims to stand as a national model for correctional modernization — one that centers on rehabilitation, dignity, and public safety while generating long-term economic and social benefits for Illinois communities.
Originally reported by Charlie Lange in Correctional News.
