It is located at 8001 State Road in the Holmesburg neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia.

Originally it was designed to the same pattern as the now-disused Eastern State Penitentiary, but the reconstruction and modifications over the decades has produced many differences.

Both facilities were outfitted with cells along a number of hallways radiating from a central hub.

[2] Given its age, the jail is the subject of political discussion concerning its future or replacement.

[1] The facility lacks modern fire-control systems and air conditioning.