LUNCH AND RAT TRAPS AT THIS COUNTY BUILDING!

1301 Franklin - Old Harris County Jail

It was in 1982 when Harris County opened it's spanking brand new jail facility at 1301 Franklin Street in downtown Houston.

Twenty one years later that facility closed because it was no longer viable for the exploding inmate population.

However, some portions of the facility remain open today.

Some of the floors are being used by the staff of the Harris County Clerk's Office while the others are occupied by employees from the Sheriff's Office.

But here's the problem: Rats, lots of rats.

The Insite is hearing from sources the aging building is filed with rodents.

I'm told it's so bad some workers are bring their lunch and a rat trap on a daily basis.

So, the obvious question is why is this out of date building still around?

Kevin Hoffman

Kevin Hoffman with Harris County Facilities and Property Management says the building is scheduled to be torn down but he's just now sure when that will be.

Hoffman also says, "we're working on a plan to move those workers but space is tight."

The facilities manager then referred The Insite to another county official for an exact timeline to raise the building.

An older estimate indicated it would cost the county $7 million to demolish 1301 Franklin.

Hoffman says that figure is likely old and he's not sure how much it will cost now but it will be done.

Since there is no timetable for the employees to be moved or to tear down the building that means county workers will continue to bring their lunches and a suitable rat trap to work.

Hoffman did say as a result of this issue being brought to his attention by the Insite he would contact pest control to deal with the pesky critters until there is a final solution to 1301 Franklin!