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Revised new-courthouse estimate about $35.7 million; design advances to construction drawings
Summary
Architects and county staff reported a $32.7 million construction estimate plus $3 million for furnishings (roughly $35.7 million total), a 45,000-square-foot building footprint with separate circulation paths, and a projected occupancy by the end of 2028; UDO-related features add about $1.114 million to costs.
Joel Helms of Sizemore Architects updated the Board on the new courthouse design and revised budget on April 27, reporting the project has advanced to 75% construction drawings and outlining site, security, and cost considerations.
Helms said the design includes full excavation of the basement to provide future expansion and storage, separate circulation for public, judges, staff, and detainees to meet security and operational needs, and durable, low-maintenance interior finishes. The plan provides 144 public parking spaces, 31 staff spaces, 33 secure official parking spaces, and a secure detainee sally port. The exterior design follows a traditional courthouse aesthetic using brick and cast stone accents.
Staff presented a revised construction cost estimate of $32.7 million including escalation, with an additional $3 million budgeted for furnishings, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E), bringing the estimated total to about $35.7 million. County staff noted that elements required by the City of Brevard's Unified Development Ordinance for civic buildings (landscaping buffers, architectural features, EV charging infrastructure and screening) account for approximately $1.114 million in direct construction costs beyond baseline building scope.
The Board discussed EV charging requirements, permit and bid timelines (final construction drawings due in June; permit drawings and the contractor bid period to follow in July), and coordination with bond financing and construction schedule. The projected construction timeline is 18 months with occupancy anticipated by the end of 2028, subject to bidding and financing schedules.
No action was taken; the Board provided feedback and requested continued schedule and cost monitoring as documents are finalized.
