In a move to boost efficiency and autonomy, Brown County partnered with Venture Architects to design a cutting-edge Medical Examiner’s Office as part of a comprehensive Jail expansion at the Brown County Detention Center. This initiative eliminates the county’s reliance on Dane County, over 150 miles away, for medical examination services.
Brown County’s goal was to create a facility with capabilities similar to the Dane County Regional Medical Examiner Building, ensuring fast and accessible services locally. By establishing its own state-of-the-art facility, the county addressed critical needs in medical examination services.
To achieve this, Venture Architects conducted a detailed tour of Dane County’s facility and collaborated with McClaren, Wilson Lawrie, the leading medical examiner designer in the U.S., for expert guidance on the layout and design process. This collaboration ensured the incorporation of advanced design elements and equipment.
The newly designed Medical Examiner Building features three examination tables and spacious office and public areas designed for 25 staff members and up to 10 visitors. The facility is equipped with modern laboratory spaces, including three exam rooms and a garage for intake and vehicle storage, all with separate public and secure staff entrances. It also includes a retention pond, serving both the medical examiner building and the adjacent jail addition, with the layout strategically planned for future expansions.
By hosting the medical examiner’s office internally, Brown County has optimized procedures for autopsies and other death-related examinations within its jurisdiction. Venture Architects provided full architectural and engineering services for this transformative project, enhancing service delivery and fostering greater independence for Brown County.
