Commissioners authorize emergency design services after annex structural assessment

County-hired engineers presented a structural evaluation of the annex building and the commissioners voted to authorize emergency design services to produce plans and specifications.

Rob Furman of WJE outlined nondestructive testing and a test pit that indicate the existing foundation and structural steel can likely be reused, while perimeter concrete walls and precast panels are in advanced deterioration and should be removed. WJE recommended installing new perimeter steel framing to tie into the existing roof, shoring as needed, and a limited rehabilitation approach to extend useful life rather than full replacement.

Following the assessment, the court considered a limited, eight-week emergency design-services proposal (presented as a turnkey program of architectural and engineering work) to produce construction-ready drawings and a shoring plan. The proposed fee for plans and specifications was $212,025; construction-cost estimates (discussed only as benchmarks) ranged broadly from about $5 million to $7 million for full construction if required. The consultants noted further cost estimating would follow the design phase.

Commissioners discussed reuse of the roof, the need to replace electrical infrastructure, accessibility upgrades (public restrooms), and sequencing to keep court operations moving. After discussion a motion to accept emergency design services through O'Connell Architecture (with engineers under its contract) carried on a voice vote.

The contract authorizes immediate production of design documents and limited construction administration; commissioners directed staff to return with cost estimates and to coordinate timing for shoring and temporary space needs.