Overview of Metropolitan Correctional Center Chicago
The Metropolitan Correctional Center Chicago (MCC Chicago) is a unique high-rise federal prison located in the heart of downtown Chicago. Opened in 1975, this 28-story triangular building primarily houses male and female inmates who are awaiting trial, sentencing, or serving short-term federal sentences. MCC Chicago is part of the Federal Bureau of Prisons and operates as an administrative-security facility. The prison’s population fluctuates, typically accommodating around 600 inmates at any given time.
MCC Chicago is distinct for its urban location, offering high-rise detention with minimal public access. It provides essential services for detainees, including limited recreational facilities and access to legal resources. Security is a major priority, with various precautions in place, from restricted access to advanced surveillance systems to ensure inmate and public safety.
Contact Information for Metropolitan Correctional Center Chicago
- Address: 71 West Van Buren Street, Chicago, IL 60605
- Phone: (312) 322-0567
- Email: CCC-ExecAssistant-S@bop.gov
- Fax: Not publicly available
Visiting Information for Metropolitan Correctional Center Chicago
Visiting an inmate at MCC Chicago is a strictly regulated process to ensure security. The facility offers designated visiting hours multiple days a week, including weekends and holidays. To visit an inmate, you must be on an approved visitor list, which the inmate can arrange, and follow the facility’s specific guidelines regarding attire, identification, and behavior.
- Visiting Hours:
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Monday to Friday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday & Federal Holidays: Same as Sunday
Each visit typically lasts about 2-3 hours depending on the facility’s operations. Visitors must arrive early, as they will undergo a screening process. Be sure to bring a valid government-issued ID and adhere to the prison’s strict dress code, which prohibits revealing clothing and accessories like hats or sunglasses.
How to Book a Visit at Metropolitan Correctional Center Chicago
Booking a visit requires being listed on the inmate’s approved visitor list. To secure a visit, the following information is typically needed:
- Full name and valid ID of the visitor
- The inmate’s name and identification number
- Relationship to the inmate
It’s crucial to call the facility ahead of time to confirm the scheduled visiting hours and ensure that no temporary restrictions are in place. Each inmate is allowed a limited number of visitors, typically up to five individuals per visit.
Directions and Parking at Metropolitan Correctional Center Chicago
MCC Chicago is located at 71 West Van Buren Street in downtown Chicago, making it easily accessible via public transportation. Visitors can take the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) trains and buses to reach the area. If driving, limited parking is available in the surrounding streets, and several paid parking garages are within walking distance. Due to its urban location, using public transportation is highly recommended to avoid parking challenges.
Life Inside Metropolitan Correctional Center Chicago
Life inside MCC Chicago is highly structured. Inmates spend most of their time in their cells but are allowed limited access to recreational areas and exercise facilities. The prison also provides essential services, such as medical care, legal resources, and commissary access. However, the environment is challenging, given the high-security nature of the facility. Inmates face strict surveillance and limited freedom, particularly those in high-risk or pretrial categories.
The facility has made headlines in the past due to several notable escapes and controversial cases involving high-profile prisoners, including drug traffickers and organized crime figures. Security protocols remain stringent to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Famous Prisoners at Metropolitan Correctional Center Chicago
- Sammy “The Bull” Gravano, former mobster who testified against John Gotti.
- Matthew Nolan, brother of film director Christopher Nolan, who attempted an escape in 2009.
- Thomas James Zajac, convicted of detonating a pipe bomb in Utah, currently serving his sentence here
- Ramon Abbas (Hushpuppi), an Instagram influencer serving time for a multimillion-dollar fraud case
FAQs About Metropolitan Correctional Center Chicago
How many inmates does Metropolitan Correctional Center Chicago house? MCC Chicago typically holds around 600 inmates, although this number fluctuates due to its function as a pretrial detention facility.
Can inmates receive visitors at Metropolitan Correctional Center Chicago? Yes, inmates can receive visitors, but visits must be pre-approved, and visitors must comply with strict security protocols.
What is the security level at Metropolitan Correctional Center Chicago? MCC Chicago is an administrative-security facility, which means it handles various security levels, from minimum to high, depending on the inmate’s classification.
What do I need to bring for a prison visit at MCC Chicago? Visitors must bring a valid government-issued photo ID, and it’s important to dress appropriately as per the facility’s dress code.
How do I get to MCC Chicago? MCC Chicago is located in downtown Chicago, easily accessible by public transport. Parking is available, though limited, so public transportation is recommended.
Are visits allowed on federal holidays at MCC Chicago? Yes, MCC Chicago allows visits on federal holidays during the specified hours.
What recreational activities are available for inmates at MCC Chicago? Inmates have limited access to recreational activities, including exercise yards and common areas.
How are security measures enforced at MCC Chicago? MCC Chicago employs a combination of surveillance systems, regular inmate counts, and trained staff to ensure security.
Has MCC Chicago experienced any prison escapes? Yes, MCC Chicago has had notable escape attempts, including one in 2012 when two inmates rappelled down the side of the building using bedsheets.
Can I send money to an inmate at MCC Chicago? No, money should be sent through a central processing center, not directly to the prison.
Conclusion
The Metropolitan Correctional Center Chicago is a well-known federal prison due to its high-profile inmates and its urban, high-rise structure. Visiting the prison is straightforward but requires adherence to strict regulations, and life inside is highly controlled for inmates. With a history of famous escapes and notorious prisoners, MCC Chicago remains a critical part of the U.S. correctional system.
For more information on MCC Chicago, you can visit the
Sources:
- Wikipedia – Metropolitan Correctional Center Chicago
- Prison Professors – MCC Chicago
- Federal Bureau of Prisons