Toledo, OH – Shumaker, a well-known law firm in the community since 1925, is selling a portion of its property to support the construction of Lucas County's new pre-trial detention center. The county commissioners unanimously approved the resolution to authorize the Lucas County Economic Development Corporation to complete the purchase of the property owned by Shumaker.
"As members of the Toledo community for nearly a century, Shumaker is committed to supporting the growth and development of downtown Toledo. We are proud to stand with Lucas County and its sustained effort to create a new pre-trial detention center,” said Tom Dillon, Managing Partner of Shumaker’s Toledo office. “We seek to make a difference in our communities and this new facility will enhance our community’s ability to administer justice in a safe and effective way. We commend the leaders of Lucas County for their perseverance and creativity and we are honored to be part of this monumental community effort.”
The new pre-trial detention center will be built on a three-acre site at Canton and Southard streets, just one block away from the current jail in downtown Toledo. The facility will have a capacity to house 430 people and provide in-house infirmary care for 24 inmates. It will be designed with dormitory living spaces that hold up to 48 inmates each in a normative environment under direct supervision, which will provide operational efficiencies. Additionally, it will have sections for administration and operations, booking, specialized housing for youthful offenders (18 to 25 years old), senior inmates, and mental health beds to provide a full continuum of mental health treatment services.
Commissioner Pete Gerken said, “We are thrilled to announce that the new county jail will be located in the downtown area, in close proximity to the Common Pleas Courthouse and the municipal courthouse. This location not only allows for efficient operation and state-of-the-art facilities, but also demonstrates our commitment to listening to the community and choosing a site that is appropriate for the area and neighborhood.”
The boundaries of the new jail will include Canton, Southard, and 12th Streets. The Facilities Department Building, currently located at Canton and Southard, will be demolished to make way for the new detention center. Together, the Facilities Department Building and the land being acquired from Shumaker will provide three acres of land for the new jail. The Facilities Department will be relocated later this year into a county-owned building at 1301 Washington Street.
The new county jail will be funded through a variety of sources, including state and federal grants, general fund revenue, and operational savings. It will be two levels with a partial basement and approximately 217,000 square feet. The design and the construction materials and colors will complement existing buildings in the area. A garage entrance on 12th Street will allow vehicle access into the new jail to allow for transportation of inmates to the courts.
The completion of the new detention center is planned for fall of 2026. The Commissioners will break ground on the project later this year.