The Teton County government meeting on October 6, 2025, focused on updates regarding the construction of the new Justice Center and the relocation of court operations. Jason Birning from Birning Project Management provided a detailed overview of the project's progress, highlighting key milestones and upcoming tasks.
Birning reported that the design team has completed the design development phase, which now includes plans for the demolition of the existing Clifford Hansen courthouse. A development plan was submitted to the town of Jackson three weeks prior, with construction drawings expected to continue through December. The design review committee is scheduled to meet soon, and if necessary, there will be opportunities for revisions in November.
Demolition of the current courthouse is slated to begin in February 2026, following the relocation of court operations to temporary modular offices. A demolition permit has already been submitted, and additional permits for grading and shoring are in the works. The modular offices will be temporarily relocated to the fairgrounds for site preparation.
Tom Ferens from Wember emphasized that the project remains within budget, with only minor adjustments needed. The team is currently evaluating bids for construction work, and a guaranteed maximum price contract is expected to be presented in January. The project budget includes contingencies to address any unforeseen costs.
Commissioners raised questions about the municipal court's future operations, confirming that they will utilize the town hall chambers during the transition. Once the new Justice Center is completed, the municipal court is expected to operate from a multipurpose room within the facility.
Overall, the meeting underscored the project's steady progress and the collaborative efforts between the county and town officials to ensure a smooth transition for court services during the construction phase. The next steps include finalizing permits and contracts, with a focus on maintaining the project timeline and budget.