The Mesa County Justice Center in Grand Junction, Colorado, will soon see a major expansion with a new north addition project approved last week. County officials signed a contract with FCI Constructors, Inc., to manage the build, aiming to handle growing demands from population increases and court needs.
Project Approval and Contractor Details
Mesa County commissioners gave the green light to the north addition during a public hearing on September 30, 2025. They chose FCI Constructors, Inc., as the construction manager and general contractor for this key phase.
The deal covers initial planning and oversight work. Experts say this step ensures smooth progress from design to actual building. FCI brings strong experience in large public projects across the region.
County leaders praised the firm for its local ties and proven track record. This choice helps keep costs in check while meeting tight deadlines. Residents can expect updates as the team ramps up efforts.
Design Phase and Building Features
The project sits in the pre construction stage right now, with schematic designs wrapped up recently. These plans outline the basic shape and layout of the new four story annex, which will cover more than 100,000 square feet.
The addition connects directly to the existing Justice Center on the north parking lot site. It includes office spaces for court clerks, an appearance center, and support areas for the district attorney and sheriff’s office. This setup allows for full use of current courtrooms and room for future growth.
Engineers focused on modern systems like mechanical and architectural elements during design. The goal is a sturdy building that fits the local landscape while boosting efficiency. Early sketches show practical features to serve daily operations better.
- Key design elements include energy efficient systems to cut long term costs.
- The annex will feature secure access points for staff and visitors.
- Flexible spaces allow for easy updates as needs change over time.
Driving Factors for the Expansion
Mesa County’s population keeps climbing, pushing the need for more justice facilities. The area saw steady growth, with numbers hitting about 162,000 residents in 2025, up from previous years at a rate of around one percent annually.1
A recent space optimization study tied to the county’s strategic plan highlighted the crunch. Current buildings struggle with rising caseloads and staff requirements. Without changes, services could face delays and overcrowding.
Leaders point to the 21st District Court’s expansion as a main driver. More people mean more cases, from civil matters to criminal proceedings. The addition addresses this head on, ensuring fair and timely justice for everyone.
This move aligns with broader county goals for infrastructure. Recent budget talks for fiscal year 2026 include extra funds for design work on justice projects.2 It shows commitment to handling growth without straining resources.
Timeline and Budget Outlook
Construction might kick off in late 2027, with the full project taking about 20 months to complete. Officials stress that dates could shift based on funding and approvals along the way.
The initial contract with FCI Constructors costs 3.7 million dollars for management services. Total project estimates hover around 80 million dollars, covering design, building, and extras. These figures come from detailed assessments, but final numbers will depend on bids and material prices.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the projected timeline and costs:
| Phase | Estimated Start | Duration | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Construction | Now – 2026 | 1-2 years | $3.7 million |
| Design and Approvals | 2026 | 6-12 months | Included in total |
| Construction | Late 2027 | 20 months | Majority of $80M |
| Completion and Opening | 2029 | N/A | Final audits |
Budget watchers note that inflation and supply issues could affect totals. County teams plan regular reviews to stay on track. This careful approach builds confidence among taxpayers.
Benefits to Services and Community
The new addition will let the sheriff’s office expand operations with extra room for staff and equipment. This means better response times and improved community safety programs. Courts gain space for more hearings, reducing backlogs that frustrate residents.
District attorney teams will have dedicated areas for case prep, leading to stronger prosecutions. Overall, it supports a smoother justice system that serves the Western Slope well. As population grows, these upgrades prevent future bottlenecks.
Local leaders see economic perks too. Construction jobs will boost the area during the build phase. Once open, the facility could draw related businesses and improve property values nearby.
Think about how this ties into recent events, like the county’s push for better roads and bridges in the 2026 budget. All these efforts aim to keep Mesa County thriving amid change. Residents stand to gain from a more capable government.
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