Rockwall County reviews $4.7M estimate for sheriff's office remodel; GMP due May 19

Rockwall County commissioners on May 13 reviewed plans, schedule and funding for a multi‑phase remodel of portions of the sheriff’s office and adjacent former jail space at the Rockwall County Historic Courthouse.

At a workshop meeting, Salvador “Sal” with Park Hill, the design firm on the project, walked the court through floor plans, demolition and construction sequencing for roughly 20,874 square feet of renovation inside the 56,731‑square‑foot building. Park Hill described the work as primarily interior renovation of an unused portion of the old jail and the south side of the building rather than any exterior expansion.

The discussion centered on three construction phases, building systems, evidence storage and funding. Park Hill said the construction manager at‑risk’s current cost estimate for construction is “right under $5,000,000,” with a prior estimate around $4.7 million for construction costs, excluding soft costs such as furniture and equipment. The firm told commissioners the guaranteed maximum price (GMP) was scheduled to be returned to the county by subcontractor bids the week of May 19, and that staff intends to bring a complete package to the first court meeting in June.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the work completes a voter‑approved bond commitment to provide a new jail and remodel for the sheriff’s office. The project would convert offline jail spaces into usable office, training and evidence areas, increasing secure evidence storage and creating a…