Memorably described by Johnny Cash as a “living hell,” San Quentin has long been one of America’s most notorious prisons. However, it has now been renovated in a Scandinavian style with an emphasis on creating a calm atmosphere for rehabilitation.
The prison, now named San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, is the oldest in California, having opened in 1854. Danish studio Schmidt Hammer Lassen is leading the new renovation in collaboration with McCarthy Building Companies and local firm DLR Group.
One rendering provided depicts a lush garden area filled with nature and looks surprisingly comfortable for a U.S. prison. In fact, the idea is to provide a relaxed, campus-like experience for incarcerated people.
The project includes demolishing an existing warehouse on the site and removing one of its stone walls to construct three education buildings and a perimeter entrance. It will nearly triple the available classroom space and include a library, technology and media centre, store and cafe. Other potential plans mentioned include upgrades to the housing (i.e. prison cells) and a town square style area, as well as a family visiting area.
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
“California is transforming San Quentin, the state’s most notorious prison, into the nation’s most innovative rehabilitation facility focused on building a brighter, safer future,” said California Governor Gavin. Newsom said. “We are literally tearing down walls to overhaul our prison system, foster real rehabilitation, and end the cycle of violence and crime. Brick by brick, we are building a new future that makes us all safer. We’re building,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said.
Construction on the project is currently well underway and is expected to be completed by early 2026. The budget is $240 million.
Source: Schmidt Hammer Lassen, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
