GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Mesa County is set to move forward with the long-anticipated expansion of the Mesa County Justice Center, after commissioners formally approved a $2.6 million contract with Roth Sheppard Architects during a public hearing on April 8.

The contract includes funding for both base architectural services and reimbursable expenses related to the design and engineering of a new annex building. The decision marks a critical step in the county’s effort to address increasing caseloads, outdated facilities, and long-term space planning for its justice system infrastructure.

“This expansion is not just about square footage,” said a county official familiar with the project. “It’s about ensuring the justice system can continue to function efficiently and fairly as the county grows.”

Competitive Bidding Process

The contract award comes after a formal request-for-proposals process in which the county received three design bids. Roth Sheppard Architects — a Denver-based firm with a portfolio that includes judicial, public safety, and civic buildings — was selected as offering the “best value for Mesa County,” according to the public hearing agenda.

Roth Sheppard is widely known for its work on courthouse and law enforcement facilities across Colorado. The firm’s design approach often emphasizes functionality, security, and transparency, elements that are expected to guide the new annex.

The $2.6 million contract figure does not include construction costs, which will be addressed in a later phase. Preliminary estimates for the full annex project are expected to be released after design and engineering milestones are completed.

The Case for Expansion

The Mesa County Justice Center, located in downtown Grand Junction, houses county courts, district courts, and various legal and judicial departments. Officials say the current facility is operating near capacity, with limited space for courtroom proceedings, probation offices, and public services.

Judicial administrators and county commissioners have warned for years that delays in expanding the facility could hamper access to justice, create backlogs in the court system, and strain county staff.

Mesa County’s population has grown steadily over the last decade, bringing with it increased demand for judicial services, law enforcement coordination, and legal support infrastructure.

What Comes Next

Now that the design contract is approved, county officials say the project will move into planning and conceptual development, with architectural renderings expected later this year.

Future phases will include:

• Public engagement and community input sessions on the design and impact of the annex

• Construction bidding and contract approvals

• Coordination with judges, court clerks, and law enforcement to ensure the facility meets operational needs

• Long-term planning for future justice system expansions beyond the annex

Though a construction timeline has not yet been finalized, preliminary estimates suggest groundbreaking could occur in mid-to-late 2026, pending final designs and budget approvals.

Fiscal Oversight and Transparency

Mesa County officials have emphasized transparency in the project’s development, pledging regular updates and public briefings on budget use, design milestones, and construction progress.

“This annex is a critical piece of our infrastructure, and we owe it to the public to make sure it’s done responsibly, affordably, and with their input,” said one commissioner during the April 8 meeting.