Stearns County Advances Design Development for New Justice Center

(KNSI) — The Stearns County Board of Commissioners has approved moving forward with the design development phase for the County’s new Justice Center.

Architects and consultants presented a schematic design for the 510,000-square-foot facility, which includes 270 jail beds, 11 courtrooms, a law library, and spaces for the Sheriff’s Office, County Attorney’s Office, Emergency Management, and other justice-related functions. Key features of the design include a single-level jail with tiered housing units and an inmate healthcare area. The Sheriff’s Office will feature public-facing offices and training areas on the first floor, with additional offices on the second. The courts section will span five floors, with courtrooms on each level.

The proposed building, estimated to cost $319.7 million, is expected to see reductions to $315.5 million due to rebates and discounts. The design incorporates architectural elements similar to other county buildings, such as a rotunda entrance, a light dome, granite pillars, terrazzo floors, and marble and granite finishes in public areas.

While approving the design, Commissioners emphasized the potential for adjustments to the building’s size or components based on cost considerations. This approval enables architects to refine the design, providing more accurate cost estimates and maintaining the project’s schedule for fall bidding. Commissioners noted that some elements might be postponed or omitted, but future growth needs remain a priority.

“We want a facility that is effective, efficient, forward-thinking, and fiscally responsible,” said County Commissioner Tarryl Clark.

Commissioner Joe Perske opposed the design, expressing concerns about the project’s direction.

In November, Stearns County residents approved funding the project through a sales tax capped at $325 million. Commissioners are pushing to keep the project moving as delays result in a higher price tag. Commissioners are committed to avoiding the use of levy dollars for the facility and stressed the importance of adhering to the sales tax budget.

Inflation has already added $9.3 million to estimates over the past year.

Board Chair Jeff Bertram highlighted the importance of transparency throughout the process. “We want to ensure there are no surprises. It’s critical that we have all the information as we move forward.”

The project’s construction timeline includes:

April 2025: Release of the first bid package
August 2025: Approval of bids
December 2025/January 2026: Release of the second bid package
Spring 2026: Groundbreaking

Property acquisition for the Justice Center is ongoing, focusing on a 78-acre site off County Road 75 and 134. Approximately 68 acres are buildable, with wetlands affecting the remaining area.

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