By Mike Cherney
The Sun News
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. — A new, four-story tower at the Horry County jail began to take shape -- literally -- on Monday as workers started installing the first of 108 concrete blocks that will make up the bulk of the structure.
The $33 million, medium- and maximum-security tower will add 536 beds to the chronically overcrowded J. Reuben Long Detention Center, which is built for about 400 inmates but often holds more than 700. Also helping out will be a new 128-bed, $4 million, minimum-security building that should open in a few weeks.
Overall, the county is spending $54 million on jail improvements, which also include a new courts and administration building and a food-service facility, said Capt. Mike Illes, who is managing the expansion.
The concrete blocks will be stacked on top of one another and will serve as jail cells for inmates, Illes said. The interior of each block has already been finished and includes painted walls, windows, doors, plumbing fixtures and bunks.
Illes said the installation of the concrete blocks could be done as early as June, with the tower opening sometime in 2010.
Copyright 2009 The Sun News