UPDATE: DOC: Site of 2017 riot to be demolished at JTVCC

Delaware officials announced demolition plans after they say tearing down the site of the fatal 2017 prison riot is "the right thing to do."

On Monday, the Delaware Department of Correction says they decided to demolish the C-building at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center (JTVCC). The building was the site of the February 2017 riot which resulted in the death of Lt. Steven Floyd. DOC Commissioner Perry Phelps says removing the building will "demonstrate that JTVCC is moving forward and cultivating a new culture for the future."

"The presence of C Building at JTVCC only serves as a constant reminder of the tragedy that occurred on February 1, 2017 that senselessly took the life of one of our family members. Demolishing the building will serve as a point forward in the healing process and enable the staff at JTVCC to become stronger and stronger as each new day passes," said Commissioner Phelps.

According to DOC officials, the 12,700 square foot building was built in 1971 as a part of the original Level V correctional facility. It has apparently been vacant since the 2017 uprising and the inmates previously housed there have been moved to other correctional facilities.

"We have a couple different ideas that aren't ready for production. As we move closer to requesting funds and talking to the staff and seeing what would be most beneficial to that unit – then we will move forward," says Commissioner Phelps.

Officials say with authorization and funding from the FY18 Bond Bill, the Delaware office of engineering firm TetraTech was hired to assess the cost to demolish the building. Demolition is expected to begin this fall.