Make Alcatraz Great Again

[jon-nyc]

That is not even taking into account the fact that it has decayed significantly in the 60+ years since it was abandoned. It is a salt water corroded mess.

There are plenty of high security federal prisons in remote places as it is.

[jon-nyc]

Im glad I took Mayla and the boy there in August as he probably will reopen it.

[89th]

Would be ironic if he eventually is sentenced to prison time there.

[LuFins Dad]

@jon-nyc said in Make Alcatraz Great Again:

Im glad I took Mayla and the boy there in August as he probably will reopen it.

So they know where to visit you?

[jon-nyc]

When we were there in August there was a real live (and real old) ex prisoner there, signing his book. There are probably very few living Alcatraz alumni. It closed 60 years ago and it got hardened criminals who were usually middle aged or so when they arrived. He may well be the last one left.

[jon-nyc]

When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. That’s the way it’s supposed to be. No longer will we tolerate these Serial Offenders who spread filth, bloodshed, and mayhem on our streets.

He makes it sound like we have no federal prisons and he’s about to build the first one.

[jon-nyc]

If he does go through with this I hope Clint Eastwood is around to cut the tape.

[89th]

I heard Trump asked to hire Sean Connery to show him how to break back into the prison.

[NobodySock]

Wait until the local shark population hears about this. They lust over the stories of yore passed down from generations of those silly humans that tried to swim for it to SF. Times were really good back then they say.

[jon-nyc]

ChatGPT:

Renovating Alcatraz Island to house prisoners again would be a massive, multiyear undertaking, facing logistical, legal, environmental, and political hurdles. Here’s a rough breakdown:

Physical Renovation Timeline: 3–5+ years minimum
• Structural restoration (many buildings are severely deteriorated): 1–2 years
• Modernization to current prison standards (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire safety, ADA compliance): 1–2 years
• Security infrastructure (cells, surveillance, fencing, control systems): 1 year
• Transportation infrastructure and staffing logistics: concurrent or 6–12 months

Total realistic timeline (including approvals): 5–10 years

Why the extra time?
• Environmental and historical reviews (Alcatraz is a national park and historic site)
• Legal challenges (from preservation groups, California state officials, civil rights advocates)
• Cost estimates would run into hundreds of millions of dollars, with ongoing logistical costs due to its island location

Summary:

Even with political will and unlimited funding, reopening Alcatraz as a functioning prison would likely take 5–10 years. Most experts would consider it more symbolic or performative than practical.

Want a breakdown of estimated renovation costs or reasons why it was closed in the first place?

[jon-nyc]

My prediction:

He’ll start it, the next administration will cancel it, dollars spent, no prisoners housed, and its value as an historic site will be diminished as they’ll gut or even destroy the original buildings.

[89th]

Analogous to much of his antics in DC.

[jon-nyc]

[Axtremus]

Interview with a still-living Alcatraz alum, Charlie Hopkins, 93:

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yep08r9vjo

[Mik]

Ridiculous idea.

[jon-nyc]

Might be the last time I see it in its original form.

[Mik]

God, just leave it alone. It’s fine as a tourist attraction.