The institution opened in 1933[2] under the government of James R. Beverley, and came to substitute the Puerto Rico Prison established by Spaniards in the 19th century.

[3] In 2004, the Government of Puerto Rico ordered the eviction of the state prison because it was deemed too expensive to readjust the structure to newer and modern facility standards.

In 2014, the government ordered the demolition of the property to make room for a scientific park, "Ciudad de la Ciencias".

In a new approach to rehabilitation policies, Roldán added a softer design in contrast to the harsh structures that used to be the prisons of the era.

The building bears a neo-moorish architectural style with touches of art deco accentuated by the main entrance to the complex.