Built in 1931, Lubbock’s old county jail originally housed 115 beds, countless offices, and the local sheriff department. Now they’re looking to move out of the old and into the new, next door.
However, with an increase in local law enforcement, the old building isn’t supporting the demand. The Sherriff’s Office is moving next door to their current building downtown to get all departments in one location.
“I certainly agree we needed to get the sheriff’s office back under one roof, as we’re currently spilt up in different buildings down town. Absolutely support that part of the process being done,” Lubbock Sherriff Kelly Rowe said.
The local organization Lubbock Heritage Society held a press conference with Preservation Texas, a state organization that aims to repurpose historic buildings, to urge local officials to save the historical structure of the building for architectual value.
The Society’s President, Pam Brink, stated, “It worked as a building to help people stay, to get work, kind of a work progress project for the city of Lubbock.”
Preservation Texas not only argues for the building’s historical resource, but as well as for its opportunities to increase jobs in the city and put tax payer dollars to good use.
Preservation Texas Executive Director Evan Thompson said, “They represent an investment of public tax dollars not only to construction but to maintain the building over many many years.”
Their next move is to push investors to purchase the building from Lubbock County.
Ultimately, the Lubbock County Commission will make the final decision for property.
