Montgomery County officials give progress update as Justice Center costs and timeline solidify
Summary
County staff told commissioners the new Justice Center is nearing move-in readiness in 2026 but warned project costs have risen, with prime construction awards of about $233 million and an overall estimate ranging roughly $472 million–$480 million depending on contingency use.
County staff presented a detailed progress report on the new Montgomery County Justice Center on Jan. 22, saying construction is substantially complete for Phase 2 work and departments will begin transition activities later this year.
The presentation noted the Justice Center includes what the presenter described as one of the county's first green roofs, built to a LEED Gold specification, two public entrances, and an on-site cafe for county employees. The presenter also said the facility's furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) contracts and training for major departments remain to be completed.
On cost and schedule, staff reported that awarded prime construction contracts total about $233,000,000 and board-approved change orders to date are about $5,800,000. A comprehensive project estimate from inception through completion was presented in a range: roughly $472,000,000 if contingency is not fully spent, and up to about $480,000,000 if contingency is fully used. The presenter said the target for being move-in ready (substantial completion) is 2026 and that the historic courthouse renovation (Phase 3) is projected to begin after that and run into 2027, with a project-completion ribbon-cutting anticipated in 2028.
Commissioners asked pointed questions about contingency projections and cost drivers. Staff said roughly $3,000,000 remains in phase‑2 contingency and emphasized that precise contingency use for later phases will be clearer after the county receives phase‑3 bids. Staff attributed cost increases to owner-initiated scope changes (including moving the district attorney's office into the new building), unforeseen roof replacement needs at the historic courthouse, and market escalation since the original 2018 estimates.
Commissioners directed staff to provide quarterly public updates on the project’s timeline and finances. One commissioner said the board will use the lessons from this project to inform future capital planning.
The county presentation and the commissioners’ questions reflect the project’s current status: construction progressing toward 2026 operational readiness while the county continues to refine contingency projections and prepare for the historic courthouse renovation phase.
