County Commission Reviews Envision Building Remodel Costs with Schaefer Architecture

The Sedgwick County Board of Commissioners held a staff meeting on August 19, 2025, focusing on the ongoing developments regarding the Envision Building remodel and the county's administrative space needs. Tanya Cole, along with Justin Graham from Schaefer Architecture and Andrew Dilts from facilities, presented key updates and assessments related to these projects.

Cole began by referencing a purchase agreement made in May for the Envision Building, stating that the meeting would provide a detailed cost analysis for the remodel and a comprehensive building assessment. She noted that commissioners had received a 130-page report from Schaefer Architecture, which included vital information about the building's condition and potential renovation costs.

The discussion highlighted the necessity for additional administrative space, particularly for public safety entities within the courthouse, including the district court, district attorney, and sheriff's office. Cole explained that the commission had previously addressed these needs through various expansions and remodels, starting with the adult detention facility in 2019. Recent improvements included the addition of courtrooms and dedicated office space for the district attorney's office.

Cole also mentioned that in 2022, all administrative functions moved out of the courthouse, which included several departments such as finance, human resources, and strategic communications. Currently, the county is operating under a lease at the Ruffin Building, which is set to expire on June 30, 2028, with an option for early termination by June 30, 2027.

As the meeting progressed, Cole indicated that the county's administrative space requirements had been adjusted, particularly as records management could now be accommodated in a new election space. This adjustment reflects ongoing efforts to optimize the use of available facilities while addressing the growing needs of county operations.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further evaluate the remodel costs and the implications of the building assessment, ensuring that the county's administrative and public safety needs are met effectively. The board will continue to monitor these developments as they move forward with planning and implementation.