CAPTION: The key to the property is handed over from Department of Corrections Director George Lombardi, left, to Chillicothe Mayor Chuck Haney, right. At center is Chillicothe Correctional Center Warden Jennifer Miller.

C-T Photo/Catherine Stortz Ripley

The last of the old Chillicothe Correctional Center complex on Third Street changed hands from the state of Missouri to the city of Chillicothe. During an informal ceremony in the center’s former administration building Tuesday afternoon, a large brass key to the gate surrounding the housing units was presented by Missouri Department of Corrections Director George A. Lombardi to Chillicothe Mayor Chuck Haney. This action completed the state’s plan which has been in the works for several years to transfer all property of the former institution to the city of Chillicothe once the new correctional center was opened in north Chillicothe.

The state had already deeded property on the north side of Third Street — 14 acres, the former administration building and a parking lot — to the city. The final transfer of property — all that remained on the south side of Third Street — was made Tuesday with City Attorney Adam Warren filing the necessary paperwork with the Livingston County recorder of deeds. This final section of property consists of slightly over 40 acres of land, plus 11 buildings. This property has been in state hands since 1887 when the Missouri General Assembly established by act the State Industrial Home for Girls. The city of Chillicothe donated $5,000 to secure its location. The first cottage, known as Marmaduke Cottage, was built in 1888 to house 40 girls, ages seven to 21 years. In 1947, the name changed form the Industrial Home for Girls to the State Training School for Girls. Then, in 1981, the name changed from the State Training School for Girls and became the Chillicothe Correctional Center for adult women prisoners of the state.

“This is an extraordinary place,” Lombardi said, reflecting on the institution’s history. “The city fathers and the state representatives and senators made this place a great facility over a long period of time. It is with a little bit of sadness that we abandon this facility.” The director said, however, that the move to a new facility was “a long time in coming.” Offenders moved into the new facility about six months ago. “We are very excited about the new facility,” Lombardi said, noting that the new facility has capacity to house up to 1,600 offenders. The director said that the people of Chillicothe “have been great” throughout the process.

Lombardi was involved with the city in the initial talks when the state had first proposed closing the facility which would have put hundreds of people out of work. In order to save those jobs, the city agreed to take over the old facility if a new one was built in town. To increase the incentive, the city offered the state land on which to build a new facility. "This is the most amazing community that we've ever seen," Lombardi said. "We've never seen anything like it before or since. This is the best we've ever seen."

Now that the city has full possession of the entire former complex, work will begin on determining its best use. A housing development on the north side of Third Street was in the works, but is now halted as a developer has allowed its purchase agreement contract to lapse. This property was once considered for construction of a new high school. Haney said the prison committee will soon meet. The committee was formed to consider options for the future use of the property and to make a recommendation to the Chillicothe City Council.

In the meantime, the city will maintain the property. Up until Tuesday's transaction, the department of corrections continued to provide security to the facility around the clock. Haney said interested parties have contacted the city with ideas for possible uses. The newest building of the complex is the old administration building. Some of the buildings across the street are in good condition while some need to be torn down, Haney said.

CAPTION: Several years ago, state officials and community members gathered in the conference room of the Department of Correction's administration building on Third Street to start talks about saving the Chillicothe Correctional Center. On Tuesday - several years later and after the opening of a brand-new correctional center - state officials and community members gathered in the same room for the ceremonial transfer of property from the state to the city.

C-T Photo/ Catherine Stortz Ripley