The Minnesota Sex Offender Program – Moose Lake facility, designed by BWBR in the early 1990s, was developed to provide a therapeutic community within a high-security environment for individuals who have been civilly committed by the courts to receive sex offender treatment after completing their prison sentence. Phase I of this two-phase campus expansion added a new high-security freestanding building with 400 beds, support space, and a freestanding loading dock and generator building, all within an expanded and upgraded perimeter security system.

Phase II expanded upon a variety of functions that were previously only available in the original MSOP building, including rehabilitative services programs for education, vocational training, outdoor recreation, and a new foodservice area with materials and finishes that create a less institutionalized feel. This phase infilled the area between the two freestanding Phase I buildings, connecting them into a seamless single complex, and further expanded the secure perimeter. Phase II also featured work on the original building that expanded and renovated the administration, visitation, health services, and intake areas.

To fulfill the Minnesota B3 (Buildings, Benchmarks and Beyond) guidelines, the team incorporated several sustainable design strategies into the final solutions, including high-performance wall and roof insulation; high-efficiency chillers; automation systems that continually monitor and adjust controls; perimeter light sensors and light pollution control measures; and water control measures. The project included a comprehensive and independent commissioning program to test and verify mechanical and electrical systems performed as designed.