Weld County commissioners select downtown West Block for new judicial center, designate Centennial Block for administration building

WELD COUNTY, Colo. — The Weld County Board of County Commissioners on July 28 voted to site a new Weld County Judicial Center on the West Block in downtown Greeley and to direct staff to finalize agreements to build a new Weld County Administration Building on the adjacent Centennial Block.

The decision followed a report and site-selection study presented by county staff and consultants that compared three potential locations — two downtown blocks (the West Block and the Southeast Block) and a site on 0 Street — and estimated total project costs and phasing needs.

Consultant Jeff Darnell, president and CEO of Level 5 (the local consulting firm engaged to coordinate the extended study), told the commissioners, “This isn't just about buildings. It's about upholding the promise of justice and public service for generations of health.” He described a multi-year process that used Gensler's 20-year facilities master plan, interviews with more than 20 stakeholder groups, utility and zoning reviews, and cost and schedule modeling.

Facilities Department head Patrick O'Neil summarized the master-plan work that underpins the recommendation, saying the county has "105 facilities" and that consultants projected county needs out 20 years. The…