Philadelphia House of Correction
The Philadelphia House of Correction is one of five local jails operated by the Philadelphia Prison System. It is located at 8001 State Road in the Holmesburg neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia.
The facility was built in 1874 and rebuilt in 1927. Originally it was designed to the same pattern as the now-disused Eastern State Penitentiary, but the reconstruction and modifications over the decades has produced many differences. Both facilities were outfitted with cells along a number of hallways radiating from a central hub. The cells were designed for single-occupancy in accordance with the Pennsylvania System.[1]
In its current configuration, the facility can hold 1,250 prisoners in 666 cells. A recent news story reported an actual population of 1,500.[1]
Given its age, the jail is the subject of political discussion concerning its future or replacement.[1] The facility lacks modern fire-control systems and air conditioning.[2]
References
- ^ a b c Iannelli, Jerry (9 June 2015). "Why nobody should be held in Philly's House of Correction". Philadelphia City Paper. Retrieved 24 July 2015.
- ^ Nadolny, Tricia (27 July 2015). "In Philadelphia, doing hard - and hot - time". Phialdelphia Inquirer. Retrieved 28 July 2015.