In 2015, community stakeholders encouraged Dismas House to expand to meet the growing demand of serving formerly incarcerated men. Considering their location was in an historic overlay and their lack of access to public transportation, expansion at that location was not achievable. The transition to a new campus and the need for increased capacity necessitated an intentional redesign to ensure Dismas House could deliver robust evidence-based programs and services. Very few sites provided the location and services they were seeking while fitting into their budget. One property became available that is wedged between a major collector street and an active rail line with significant topography challenges. The site had been ignored for decades, becoming the dumping grounds for the surrounding properties. Despite this, the leadership of Dismas House worked with the design team to transform the .59-acre site into their new home. The urban location is across from Centennial Park and encourages outdoor physical activity and the site is located on a rapid transit bus line allowing the residents easy access to jobs, shopping, and state offices.

Dismas House is the first campus in Tennessee designed specifically for a returning citizens population. The design focuses on providing a sense of dignity, privacy, and respect, which are critical to helping returning citizens who are overwhelmed with decisions. The large dining room off the lobby holds 80 people and is where community dinners are served Monday through Thursday. The double-occupancy residences are on the second and third floors, where newly arriving residents start their transition back to society by completing the 90-day reentry program. The single-occupancy residences are on the 4th floor and are the next step to self-sufficiency. These apartments include a small kitchenette for meal preparation and have access to a large outdoor deck.

Each of the residents’ floors has a light-filled living room to encourage the men to gather and enjoy positive social interaction. All rooms are fully furnished, and newly arriving residents receive 3 days of clothes, 30 days of toiletries, and 30 days of free housing. Spaces on the first floor were designed to welcome family members and visitors while private counseling and case management offices are located on the resident’s second and third floors ensuring privacy.

The exterior design is intended to break the stereotype of institutional spaces by providing a simple but sophisticated facade design full of windows. A private courtyard with outdoor dining space and canopy trees provides a retreat from the busy street and the entrance with strategically located reception off the courtyard ensures privacy and security.