In addition to its structure and program focus, it is the first tobacco free facility in the commonwealth. The housing units design - pods - was considered an ambitious move for correctional facilities during the 1980s.

SCI Chester is the 24th state correctional institution to open in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and is unique in its architectural structure and programmatic design. SCI Chester, constructed as a 1,175 bed medium-security prison for inmates with a documented substance abuse history was constructed for nearly $74 million with an annual operating budget of $36 million. State Correctional Institution – Chester is a medium-security, all-male correctional facility in Chester, Pennsylvania, within the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Prison in Chester, Pennsylvania, United States State Correctional Institution - Chester