1. Why is MCI-Framingham being reimagined?
MCI-Framingham is the nation’s oldest operating women’s correctional facility, and parts of the campus no longer meet modern standards for accessibility, climate control, privacy, healthcare, programming, or reentry preparation. The initiative is intended to align the physical environment with stronger programming, health and mental healthcare, staff support, operations, and culture.
The goal is to create conditions that strengthen dignity, safety, opportunity, successful reentry, and public safety.
2. What is being renovated or replaced?
The project includes both renovation of existing buildings and construction of replacement facilities.
Three housing cottages will be renovated to support smaller, more normalized living environments. The current Health Services building and program building will be replaced with a new Health Services Center and a Wellness and Learning Center. The project also includes accessibility improvements, climate control, electrification, and other infrastructure and site upgrades.
3. Where does the project stand now?
The project is currently in schematic design. As of the latest project update, schematic design was 75% completed at the end of August 2026, and Suffolk Construction has been selected as the Construction Manager. Phase 1 certification is anticipated in early 2027, with Phase 1 enabling construction expected to begin in late 2027. Construction on the campus is currently expected to continue in phases through late 2033.
4. How much is the project expected to cost?
The anticipated total project investment is $360 million. That estimate covers planning, design, renovation, replacement buildings, infrastructure improvements, accessibility, climate control, and phased construction across the campus.
The estimate may be refined as design and construction planning advance.
5. Why renovate MCI-Framingham instead of relocating or building a new facility?
Renovating the existing campus allows the Commonwealth to reuse infrastructure where appropriate, reduce the size of the facility, and improve conditions without the additional cost and complexity associated with relocating the population or constructing an entirely new campus.
The redevelopment is expected to reduce the campus footprint from approximately 260,000 square feet to approximately 200,000 square feet and permanently reduce bed capacity.
6. How will the project strengthen reentry, education, and programming?
The future Wellness and Learning Center is planned to provide improved space for education, vocational training, college programming, recreation, technology, and reentry preparation.
DOC is also expanding this work now rather than waiting for construction to be completed. The Reintegration House opened in July 2026 and provides a minimum-security, pre-release environment where eligible women can participate in programming focused on daily living skills, employment readiness, family reunification, relationship building, and preparation for return to the community.
7. How are incarcerated women and staff helping shape the project?
DOC and its partners are using town halls, surveys, workshops, design discussions, and other forms of engagement to gather input from incarcerated women and staff.
In the first resident survey, 51 women—approximately 25% of the population—participated. Housing and daily living conditions, education and vocational training, reentry preparation, family connection, healthcare, and outdoor space emerged as important themes. Eighty-eight percent of respondents said they would like to participate in future discussions about the redesign.
8. How is stakeholder feedback being used?
Feedback from incarcerated women, staff, advocates, elected officials, community organizations, educators, health professionals, and other stakeholders is being incorporated into planning, design, communications, and broader work on culture and operations.
Amend at UCSF has also conducted extensive stakeholder engagement and is working with DOC to help inform a broader roadmap for MCI-Framingham that goes beyond buildings to include policy, programming, practice, culture, and stakeholder engagement.
9. How will construction affect people living and working at MCI-Framingham?
The renovation will occur in phases while MCI-Framingham remains operational. Temporary relocations and changes to movement may be necessary during construction, but the project team will work to minimize disruption and maintain access to essential services, programming, healthcare, recreation, and family contact.
Suffolk Construction’s role as Construction Manager includes construction logistics, sequencing, and mitigation of impacts to residents and staff.
10. Is this initiative only about new buildings?
No. The physical redevelopment is one part of a broader transformation.
DOC is working to align new and renovated spaces with stronger programming and reentry supports, trauma-informed healthcare, staff development and wellbeing, operational improvements, family and community connection, and a culture centered on dignity, safety, accountability, and growth. Amend’s stakeholder work specifically identified the need for the initiative to communicate a vision that goes beyond infrastructure alone.