Prison Redevelopment

When I got back from my holiday, I was alerted to the fact that he County will be holding an open house on the Airy Street Prison Redevelopment in Norristown on Monday, October 7, 2024 from 5pm to 7pm in Suite 202 (Montgomery Conference Room) of One Montgomery Plaza, 425 Swede St, in Norristown. This is an open house format so you can stop in at any time during those hours to learn about the survey results and the next steps for the redevelopment project. Light refreshments will be served.

I spent a little time in Belfast Ireland during my time away, and had the opportunity to visit the Crumblin Street Gaol there. This gaol, was built in 1845 and closed its doors as a working prison in 1996. As with many old buildings in Europe, they don't get torn down, but repurposed. As a matter of fact everyone I spoke to about our jail were shocked to find out that our county officials would tear it down. Their jail is quite larger than ours, but it has a similar history of incarceration and potential mistreatment of people accused of crimes. During the tour they present videos of actors playing the part of those imprisoned as well as those in charge who told the visitors all about what the process was for the prisoner and what the prisoners went through while they were incarcerated. Not only do they have this tour, but the facility hosts a conference center, a wedding venue, and holds special holiday functions such as Halloween specials and a Christmas party. It is a big deal there! During the sightseeing bus tour that my husband and I participated in, it was talked about and is featured on many travel brochures in the city.

It will be interesting to see if anything near Crumblin Street Gaol happens to the Airy Street Jail. As I said, their facility is quite a bit larger, but I can see something similar happening, or even something quite different. The main point is that a new use should be provided for this historic structure.