IL plans new Crest Hill prisons to replace Logan Correctional Center

LINCOLN, Ill. (WAND) - A major state prison project is moving forward without Logan County in its plans.

Illinois officials said on Friday that two new correctional facilities will be constructed in Crest Hill to replace aging prisons, including Logan Correctional Center.

Crest Hill is a city located in Will County and is just over two hours from Lincoln.

A state analysis found Crest Hill would offer more space, infrastructure and lower costs. The new facilities are expected to house up to 2,300 people.

Logan Correctional will remain open during construction, and there is no tentative opening date for the Crest Hill facility.

Sen. Sally Turner, Rep. Bill Hauter, Logan County Board Chair James Glenn and Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch released the following statement:

"Let’s be clear, this is the wrong move for the correctional system, for the staff of the facility, for our communities and for those who reside at Logan.
Illinois should be investing in much needed repairs and upgrades to Logan, so that it can best serve its role to rehabilitate people to become productive members of society. Moving the facility will do nothing to improve outcomes for those who are incarcerated there, it will absolutely devastate our local communities, and it will force staff to choose between uprooting their families from their homes or going on unemployment.
This is one more in a devastating series of blows to hit our community in recent years. We believe in the strength and determination of the people of Logan County and we will continue to fight this decision."

According to the Illinois Department of Corrections, the Logan Correctional Center opened in 1978 and, as of June 2024, had a total population of 1,034.