Tree Clearing Marks Start of Construction on Stearns County Justice Center

(KNSI) – The first sign of construction activity is now visible at the site of the new Stearns County Justice Center, with tree clearing underway at the intersection of County Road 75 and County Road 134.

Thursday’s action is the first physical sign of progress on what is expected to be one of the largest public building projects in Stearns County history. The $291 million project will include a 270-bed jail, 11 courtrooms, and offices for the county sheriff and county attorney. The four-story building will span approximately 482,000 square feet and is being designed with a 50-year lifespan.

Stearns County commissioners approved the majority of construction contracts on Tuesday, April 8th. The project came in significantly under its earlier budget estimate of nearly $324 million, a savings county officials attributed to strong local contractor participation and clear project drawings. Roughly 60% of construction dollars are expected to stay with local firms.

The project is funded through a countywide three-eighths cent sales tax approved by voters in November 2024. The tax will remain in place for 30 years or until the project is paid off, whichever comes first.

Groundbreaking is expected in mid-to-late May, with construction completion anticipated in the spring of 2029.

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