CA to spend $239M to turn San Quentin into Scandinavian-inspired rehab center

SAN QUENTIN, Calif. (KGO) -- California plans to spend $239 million to transform San Quentin prison into a rehabilitation center.

A Danish architecture firm was hired to create a facility inspired by Nordic countries.

They have seen success in reducing prison populations and recidivism by preparing inmates for normal life.

VIDEO: With tears and tail wags, San Quentin inmates reunite with puppies they raised into service dogs

Hugs, tears and tail wagging abounded at San Quentin when Labradors reunited with the incarcerated men who helped raise them to be service dogs.

The new design includes a farmers market, classrooms, a podcast production studio, and a cafe.

San Quentin's security level is being reduced from maximum to medium.

Construction is underway and will include three new buildings.