Eastern Correctional Institution: High-Temperature Hot Water, Steam & Security Fencing

• Owner: Eastern Correctional Institute (ECI)

• Location: Westover, Maryland

• Client: Maryland Department of General Services (DGS), Joseph M. Zimmer, Inc.

• Contract: $60,150,000

• Schedule: June 2023 - April 2026

InSite BUILD served as the Construction Manager on this $60M renovation at ECI. This project includes the replacement of the facility's perimeter security fence and security electronics, the installation of a 6,000 lf high-temperature hot water system to serve the facility, and the replacement and upgrade of mechanical systems in (10) mechanical rooms. This project incorporates complex phasing under high security protocols while maintaining the full functionality of the facility’s systems at all times during the conversion.

The ECI HTHW project is the flagship effort that launched InSite BUILD. While we are proud of the high-quality work delivered on this complex and logistically demanding project, what stands out most is the strength of the relationships built along the way.

Working within an active correctional facility for over three years required more than technical execution—it demanded trust, consistency, and true partnership. Our close collaboration with the ECI escort team was essential to maintaining workflow and momentum in an environment where every movement required coordination. Through daily communication and mutual respect, what could have been a barrier instead became a point of alignment.

Our relationship with the Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) was equally critical. Navigating the realities of state processes—particularly around change management—required transparency and a shared commitment to progress. By fostering trust and maintaining open lines of communication, our teams were able to keep the project moving forward despite inherent challenges.

Most importantly, this project reinforced our belief that strong partnerships drive successful outcomes. The relationships built with and among our subcontracting partners created a culture of accountability, respect, and collaboration. These weren’t just working relationships—they were teams aligned around a common goal, supporting one another through a uniquely demanding environment.

This project didn’t just establish our capabilities—it defined our culture. It showed that even in the most constrained and complex conditions, when the right relationships are in place, exceptional results follow.