Teton County progresses on General Services Building and Justice Center construction plans

The Teton County government meeting on April 7, 2025, focused on significant updates regarding the construction of a new General Services Building and Justice Center. Project representatives provided a detailed overview of the current status, construction schedules, and budget considerations.

The construction of the General Services Building is reportedly ahead of schedule, with key milestones achieved, including the completion of fire sprinkler installations and most window installations. The project is currently on track to finish interior work, such as sheetrock installation, within the month. Importantly, the project remains within budget, with contingencies still available for unforeseen expenses.

Transitioning to the Justice Center, project manager Paul Lambert described the current phase as "schematic design," where detailed planning is underway. The team is working closely with subcontractors to refine costs and ensure the project remains within the estimated budget of $118 million. Lambert emphasized the importance of value engineering, which includes potential cost-saving measures such as altering construction materials and adjusting building dimensions.

A notable discussion point was the concept of "shelling" a courtroom, which means constructing the basic structure without finishing touches. This approach allows for flexibility in budgeting and ensures that essential elements of the building are completed on time, even if some features are deferred for later completion.

The meeting also addressed the need for temporary office space for courthouse users during the construction phase. Plans are in motion to relocate the sheriff's department and other court functions to the Jorgensen building, with ongoing evaluations for additional temporary housing solutions.

As the meeting concluded, officials expressed urgency in finalizing plans for the temporary courthouse space, highlighting the importance of a smooth transition to maintain the project timeline. The next steps include selecting a commissioning agent and continuing discussions on temporary office arrangements, with a follow-up meeting scheduled for May 5, 2025.