The primary objectives of the construction plan were to address the most critical factors in contemporary correctional facility design: low cost, durability, flexibility to accommodate site requirements and changes in inmate populations, influence of design on operational efficiency and cost, and reliable cost estimates to meet a fixed project budget of $24.6 million. The design firm proposed a site-adaptable, predesigned housing unit that had been in design or operation at various locations. As the firm adapted this prototype to Niagara County's jurisdictional specifics, the facility design remained within the fixed budget, but the total number of new beds increased from the original plan of 192 to 224; in addition, all the new beds are in cells, which allows greater flexibility of inmate classification. Each unit consists of four right-angle triangular pods that radiate from a central management core. Each pod contains 56 precast concrete cells, divided evenly on two levels and placed along the sides and diagonal of the pod. The advantages of precast units are lower cost, prefabricated units, and quality management. The triangular configuration provides optimal visibility from the pod officer's desk. The design efficiency of the facility will allow 224 inmates to be supervised by just five officers. Additional manpower costs are saved by using touch-screen security rather than graphic panels. The expanded Niagara County Jail is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 1996.