The Design Review Committee on Thursday recommended conditional approval of the Teton County Justice Center development plan, approving the overall design while asking for final material samples and additional design detail for the south porch and adjacent streetscape.

County staff summarized changes since the project's sketch-plan review: the removal of the Hansen Courthouse from active enhancement plans created opportunities to shift vehicular access to Simpson Avenue, increase secure screening along Willow Street and consolidate a large backup generator toward the internal yard. Staff said those site changes reduce infrastructure costs and improve pedestrian and construction staging options. "The county has approved the removal of Hansen Courthouse," a staff member said, adding that change created opportunities for improved landscaping and safer pedestrian circulation.

The applicant presented revised massing, material choices and a two‑minute public fly‑through illustrating the proposed pedestrian experience. The design team emphasized a floating glazed gallery on King Street and a recessed, ballistic‑rated storefront band at the base to balance daylight with security for sheriff's offices. Presenters described a base material of iron‑spot brick (dark, variegated brick), a three‑tone metal panel system above and a lighter, wood‑clad massing in select locations. The team also explained changes intended to reduce perceived mass from Simpson Avenue by pulling the Level‑2 mass toward the street while pulling the Level‑3 canopy back so it is visible from distance but not intrusive at sidewalk level.

Committee members discussed material samples, the size and placement of site trees, snow mitigation and the elevated porch/lobby on King Street. One committee member expressed concern that the porch floor appears significantly elevated above the sidewalk and could make entry less comfortable for some visitors. Another asked for larger, mature coniferous trees along Willow to screen the secure yard; the applicant said tree species and sizes would be coordinated with town parks staff. Members praised improvements to the north and east elevations and the refinement of the project's massing and glazing.

After discussion, a committee member moved to recommend conditional approval of the Justice Center development plan with two specific conditions: that final wood material samples be closer to the renderings (a larger mock‑up/sample to be provided) and that the south porch area be further developed with street‑level details to improve the pedestrian experience. The motion was seconded and voted on; committee members voted in favor. One member noted reservations about the building height but supported the recommendation. Staff will confirm the conditions during permit review and the DRC recommendation will be forwarded to the council as the development‑plan recommendation.