Buildings Montana State Prison

1932 administration building



industrial complex

only 3 construction projects happened @ prison between 1921 , 1959. first, funded in 1927 $40,000 grant state use in constructing license plate , garment factory inside walls, instead went toward remodeling old territorial building, converting central section administerial offices, 1 wing license plant , other wing garment factory. in 1932, building come down in second construction opportunity inmates—the construction of new administration building. simple, rectangular concrete building bridged gap between older, gothic-style cellblocks , housed administration offices on top floor , dining hall, shoe shop, , laundry in lower floor. 1935 saw last new construction in prison industrial shop complex went parallel north wall, perpendicular 1912 cellblock. building housed prison s new hospital, including infirmary, surgery, dentist s office, psych ward, , doctor s office. in building new license plate factory, moved prison ranch in 1960, , 8 cells, used death row.

meanwhile, institution s existing buildings continued degrade. 1896 cellblock still had no individual plumbing in cells; flush toilet had been installed on ground level, inmates had no access after lights out. lighting in cells insufficient reading; wiring installed @ start of 20th century barely power 25 watt bulb. there no ventilation, wooden roof had not been replaced, , cell doors still unlocked individually. state investigation in 1931 found cellblock disgrace civilization .

the 1912 cellblock in better shape, though still substandard. stifling in summer, when inmates on top tiers throw items through windows create breeze, , freezing in winter, when inmates on bottom tiers drape bottom half of cell doors blankets keep out chill. there 1 shower facility 400 inmates 3 shower heads; 1 rinse, 1 soap, , third final rinse. prisoners step under these 1 @ time in single-file line.