County staff presented updated designs and a project timeline for the planned Mecklenburg County Public Safety Building, telling the board they expect to advertise construction bids in February 2026 and begin site work in spring 2026 if a contract is awarded.

The project will be two stories with roughly 50,000 square feet across floors one and two, plus an auxiliary 5,000-square-foot building for large vehicles and equipment, officials said. Staff passed around exterior elevations and floor plans at the meeting and said the drawings now move from design development into the construction-document phase.

County staff said completion of construction documents is expected by late 2025, with bidding to commence around February 2026. A contract could be presented for board consideration as early as March or April 2026. If awarded, site earthwork is anticipated to begin around April-May 2026, with structural work becoming visible later in the year. Staff estimated an 18- to 24-month construction timeline once building work begins.

Officials described the project as transformational for county facilities and said architects have incorporated field best practices. Staff also said the auxiliary building is intended for items such as boats used by the sheriff's office.

No final construction contract, funding appropriation or bidder list was presented at the meeting; staff will return with construction documents and the draft solicitation before the board reviews any contract award.