ODRC – Hocking Correctional – CLOSED

The ODRC – Hocking Correctional – CLOSED is now permanently closed. Please scroll to Nearby Prisons and Jails for alternatives or check back to the Prison and Jail Directory to perform a new search

The facility known as the Hocking Correctional Unit was constructed in 1955 by the State of Ohio to be used as a hospital for the treatment of tuberculosis patients. The administration building that sits outside of the main structure originally housed the nursing staff working at the hospital in the 1950’s. In later years the Hocking buildings were repurposed to a children’s center, then abandoned and turned over to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction in 1982.

From 1982-1983 the facility was renovated into a prison by inmates and staff. In April 1983 the Hocking Unit received its first group of inmates and it continues to function as a correctional unit today. Through the years, under the control of DRC, several improvements were added to the 18.3-acre site. In 1984, an entry building was constructed to act as a security checkpoint for visitors and staff. In 1995, a garage was constructed outside of the main perimeter fence for maintenance and storage functions. In 2000, a vocational maintenance building was constructed to provide educational and vocational opportunities for inmates preparing to return to Ohio’s communities. In 2001, an addition was added to the exterior administration building for the purpose of storage and a locksmith room. Finally, in 2005, three single story structures were added to the facility to serve as a classroom, greenhouse and storage shed to conduct a horticulture vocational program. This final project brought the facility square footage to approximately 94,655 square feet.

DRC, with the assistance of the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, engaged architectural and engineering experts in an agency-wide review of all buildings and structures within the Department during 2014. This review evaluated the condition of buildings throughout the agency and estimated the type and cost of renovations that would need to be completed within the next 10 years and beyond.

The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC) has developed an outline and format for interested parties to submit ideas for the potential future use of the Hocking Unit. This is a preliminary step in order to gauge community interest. Proposals can include the use of the facility for a single purpose, or a multi-functional proposal that could include more than one entity occupying the facility.

Required Proposal Items

A written proposal for potential future use must at minimum include the following:

• A general statement for the intended proposed use of the facility;
• Scope of the portion(s) of the facility requested for potential use (complete facility or specific portions identified in the proposal);
• Anticipated impact on the Nelsonville community and surrounding region:
  • Anticipated number of employees;
  • Anticipated number of individuals served and the catchment area for that service;
  • Other anticipated impact/information of importance.
• How will the potential future use of the facility be funded and sustained;
• Expectations or resources required from the State of Ohio;
• Anticipated timeline associated with proposal, including all critical path steps; and
• Assistance necessary beyond partnering groups (if applicable) to achieve operational readiness.

Following the requirements outlined above, please submit your proposal directly to JoEllen.Smith@odrc.state.oh.us no later than Friday, March 30, 2018. A request for a tour of the facility can be made via the email address above. The requestor will be contacted with potential tour dates and times. Additionally, facility structural assessments are available upon request via the email above.

visitation Info

Visiting hours for PRISON_NAME. For Directions call PRISON_PHONE

Sunday 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Monday 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
Tuesday 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
Wednesday 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
Thursday 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Federal Holidays 8:00 am – 3:00 pm

No cellphones, you will be searched before visiting. NO personal belongings. Persons under probation, parole, or other community corrections supervision must obtain the permission of both their individual supervising officer and the superintendent prior to a visit. Such visitation is not normally approved. 

If the visitor is under the age of 18 and is a family member of the inmate, they must be accompanied by an adult family member or guardian to include a member of the inmate's extended family. If the visitor is under the age of 18 and is not a family member of the inmate, the minor visitor must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.