History
The Nebraska State Penitentiary was announced in 1867 from a bill that appropriated $40,000 to build a prison for the state. The prison was originally meant to be built in Bellevue. However, plans were changed to move it to Lincoln. [1] The prison opened in 1869. [2] The prison originally opened with temporary buildings before the construction of permanent buildings in the early to mid-1970s. [3] The prison was expanded in 1890, adding a 240 cell-building to the facility. [4]
In 1948 and 1955, two riots occurred inside of the facility, causing minor injuries, and requiring repairs or buildings to be partially demolished. [5] In 1979, it was announced that the second-oldest prison building, built in 1876, would be demolished. Additionally, new, "double-y," shaped buildings would be built in its place. The new facilities would be designed by Leo A. Daly, and construction began later that year. [6]
Due to the buildings historical value, attempts were made to keep some of the building. [3] Construction was completed in 1981, and the former cellblock was demolished in its entirety by 1982. [7] In 1998, two 100-bed modular housing units were added to the facility. [8]
In 2015, the death penalty was abolished in the State of Nebraska. The death penalty had been used in the Nebraska State Penitentiary since 1903. [9] However, in 2016, these measures were repealed, allowing for execution to continue. [10] In 2021, a minimum security 100-bed dormitory opened. [11] In 2025, nearly 400 prisoners were displaced due to severe weather in Lincoln. [12] Additionally, two buildings had extensive roof damage. [13]
In 2021, the Nebraska State Legislature proposed building a new prison in a then-undetermined location. [14] In August 2023, the Nebraska Department of Corrections purchased a 300 acre parcel north of Lincoln [15] on which a new 1,512 capacity multi-custody replacement facility for the penitentiary will be constructed. [16]
While the replacement facility was intended to begin construction in late 2024, the project had gone over budget and had other financial difficulties. Hausmann Construction was chosen to develop the site in June 2025, and construction began in July. The prison is expected to be substantially completed by August 2028. [17]
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