Elevatus Architecture briefed Adams County commissioners Tuesday on the next steps for the Justice Center project, outlining an eight‑ to ten‑month design schedule and early decisions the county will need to make as planning moves forward.
An Elevatus architect said the design process will move through schematic design, design development and construction documents once the county finalizes its contract. He told commissioners Elevatus will meet again with each department head to refine layouts and adjacencies, noting that the concept plan is largely set but still needs detailed adjustments.
He said one of the county’s next major decisions will be selecting a construction delivery method. Options include design‑bid‑build, construction manager as agent or construction manager at risk. He noted that construction manager at risk has become the most common approach and allows the construction team to participate early in design decisions, including structural and mechanical system selection.
The architect added that early bid packages could be released as soon as February or March for long‑lead items such as structural steel, foundations, generators and switch gear. Commissioners said they intend to meet again with affected departments as Elevatus refines the building plans.
Earlier in the meeting, Jeremy, speaking for the prosecutor’s office, requested approval of a lease agreement with J2911 LLC to address space shortages created by the upcoming courthouse work. A new deputy prosecutor, Richardson, begins August 10, and the courthouse currently has only two offices available. Under the plan, Chad will move into Jeremy’s current office, Richardson will take Chad’s office, and Jeremy will relocate to the leased space upstairs.
The lease costs $300 per month. Jeremy said he can cover the remainder of 2026 using deferral funds and has budgeted $3,600 for next year. Commissioners approved the agreement, calling it a temporary solution until construction eliminates the space constraints.
The Justice Center project is expected to reshape county operations, and officials said short‑term adjustments like the prosecutor’s relocation are necessary to keep services functioning during the transition.