Ground Broken on New Muskingum County Jail

ZANESVILLE, OH – It’s a big day for Muskingum County as a historic site prepares to serve a whole new purpose.

Local leaders, law enforcement, and community members gathered today to break ground on the new Muskingum County Jail. The new facility will be built on the site of the former Mosaic Tile Company factory. The project comes with a $78.6 million price tag and is expected to be completed in 2027. Muskingum County Administrator Eric Reed said the former Mosaic Tile site is the best fit for the new jail.

“Various things make this site the best fit. Proximity to the courthouse, available utilities, and the fact the site was available. There’s a lot of attractive things that make this the best site,” Reed said.

Once complete, the new jail will provide updated facilities and expanded capacity, replacing the aging downtown jail that’s been in use for decades. The current jail has struggled with overcrowding and outdated infrastructure. Muskingum County’s new jail will feature 357 new beds, two medical housing units, 58 two-bunk cells, and other modern additions.

“The state says our current jail will hold about 175 prisoners. We’re routinely up to around 200. When we’re up around 200, our prosecutor’s office is holding indictments worth, we’re holding stuff that should be getting charges filed and people should be put off the streets,” Muskingum County Sheriff Matt Lutz said.

Construction is officially underway, and the new Muskingum County Jail is on track for completion in August of 2027 with move-in soon after.