The new justice center is an exciting undertaking for the county. And with any project, there will be questions. This project website will serve as the central hub for information, including updates on schedule, milestones, and key decisions.
In addition, the county will use a range of communication tools such as social media and direct outreach to keep the community informed as the project moves forward.
Please refer to this page frequently as the county will continue to add information about the progress, scope, timelines and more.
The existing courthouse facilities no longer fully support the county’s current and future justice system needs. As the county continues to grow, demands on the judicial system have increased, putting pressure on space, security and overall functionality. State officials have identified the need for additional capacity, including space for one new judge this summer, underscoring the limitations of the current facilities. In addition, advancements in courtroom technology and remote proceedings have outpaced the capabilities of the existing infrastructure, creating challenges in efficiently delivering modern judicial services.
The county is moving forward now because the existing facilities are constrained, and the planning, design, procurement and construction process takes several years. Starting now allows the county to address long-term operational, security and capacity needs before they become more difficult and expensive to solve.
Yes, planning for future growth is an important design consideration. The project team is evaluating how the building can support long-term County needs and adapt to operational changes over time.
West Block / Block 66 refers to the planned downtown Greeley project site which is along 10th St. (U.S. 34) between 10th and 11th Aves.
Downtown Greeley was selected following an evaluation of multiple site options as part of the county’s broader planning process. Key factors included proximity to existing county services, accessibility for the public, and the ability to support long-term operational needs. Locating the Justice Center downtown also maintains the county’s civic presence in the community’s core, where courts and related services have historically been centered. The project is being guided by thoughtful planning, design, and due diligence to ensure the Justice Center is modern, functional, and built to serve long-term needs without being excessive. This includes studying comparable facilities and engaging a judicial center-specific architect to bring proven expertise to the project. The intent is to incorporate appropriate technologies and design elements that improve operations, security, and user experience, while avoiding an overbuilt or “spectacle” facility. This reflects a balanced investment in practical, efficient infrastructure aligned with the county’s values.
The site required the acquisition of several commercial properties and residential buildings. All acquisitions were negotiated through voluntary purchase agreements with willing sellers, and residents were provided appropriate notice and relocation time. A portion of the site was acquired by the City of Greeley and is being transferred to the County as part of a land swap agreement between the two parties.
Construction will bring significant economic activity to the area through local jobs, trades, and suppliers. Long term, the daily flow of employees, jurors, attorneys, and visitors to the campus will provide sustained support for nearby businesses.
The total project cost is still being finalized as the county continues to refine the scope and budget. Once confirmed, that information will be shared publicly.
The county is not pursuing a tax increase or bond measure for this project. The funding approach is still being finalized, but the project is structured to be delivered without raising taxes. The county will communicate the specific financing plan once it has been formally approved by the Weld County Board of Commissioners.
The Justice Center is a core public safety and civic infrastructure project. Courts, public safety, secure operations, and access to justice are essential county functions, and the project is intended to address long-term needs that cannot be solved by short-term repairs alone.
The county continues to budget and spend money on roadways, public safety projects and multiple other priorities as they also plan for the Justice Center project.
The county will take a disciplined, proactive approach to managing costs throughout the project. This includes setting clear budgets, making phased decisions and using competitive procurement. The project team will also work closely with the contractor during preconstruction to review costs early, identify efficiencies, and make informed decisions. Ongoing oversight, cost tracking, and contingency planning will help keep the project aligned with the approved budget.
Building Design / Operations
The building will house courts, Clerks, Jury Services, Judicial Services, and Sheriff support. Dedicated workspace is also provided for Probation Services and the District Attorney's office to support daily court proceedings and client coordination, though these are not their primary offices.
The six-story design is the most efficient way to fit the full Judicial center program on the West Block site while meeting the operational requirements of a secure courthouse — separate circulation for the public, staff, judges, and inmates, along with all supporting judicial infrastructure. The shelled 6th floor adds future capacity without requiring additional structural or enclosure work down the road.
The new facility is expected to improve separation between the public, staff, judges and in-custody individuals. It should also improve screening, controlled access, secure movement and overall safety for courthouse users.
Yes, that is a key feature of modern justice center facility design. The building will include dedicated pathways for the public, court staff and judges, and individuals in custody. Keeping these groups separate improves safety, security, privacy, and the overall efficiency of daily operations.
Based on the current project schedule, construction is targeted to begin in late 2026-early 2027 with an anticipated completion in 2029. These dates will continue to be refined as design progresses, entitlements are secured, and procurement and construction planning are finalized. The county will communicate any updates as the schedule is confirmed.
Pending decisions include final design, final project budget, procurement approvals, entitlements, utility coordination, contractor selection and final construction schedule.
The county is taking a proactive approach to keep the project on track through early planning, coordination, and risk management. While delays are not anticipated, factors such as material availability or site conditions may influence the schedule.
The 600-space parking structure was sized to meet the day-to-day parking demands of the Justice Center, including staff, jurors, visitors, and courthouse operations. It provides a reliable baseline of county-controlled parking for normal operations, with surrounding street parking and anticipated surface lots available to help accommodate higher-demand days. The structure is planned as a 5-story facility on the West Block site, adjacent to the Justice Center building.
The parking structure is planned to serve the Justice Center and its users, including jurors, visitors, staff, attorneys and other court-related users. It is not currently planned as a general public parking garage.
The contractor will be expected to develop a construction traffic control and logistics plan. This should address parking, construction storage/lay-down, truck routes, deliveries, lane closures, pedestrian safety, business access and coordination with the City of Greeley.
Construction will bring temporary changes to downtown, including adjustments to traffic flow, parking, deliveries, and pedestrian access. The county and project team will take a coordinated, proactive approach, working closely with the city, local businesses, and nearby property owners to minimize disruptions. Clear communication will be a priority, with advance notice of major activities, defined detour routes, and maintained access to businesses and services throughout construction. The project is also anticipated to bring significant economic activity to the area through local jobs, trades, and suppliers.
Some temporary construction-related activity, such as noise, dust, and changes to access, is expected. The project team will implement mitigation measures including dust control, safety fencing, defined work hours, clear communication, and coordinated access planning.
The contractor will be required to maintain safe pedestrian routes, signage, fencing, and access plans. Downtown businesses will remain accessible during construction, and the project team will maintain safe circulation around the project site.
Yes, current court and county operations are expected to continue during construction. The project team will coordinate and communicate phasing and transitions in advance.
The county will evaluate future use, reuse or redevelopment options for existing facilities as the project advances. Final decisions may depend on county needs, building conditions, cost and long-term planning.
Renovation and reuse options have been part of the broader planning discussion. However, existing facilities have limitations related to space, security, circulation, courtroom capacity and long-term functionality that are difficult to fully resolve through renovation alone.
The project website will serve as the central hub for information, including updates on schedule, milestones and key decisions. In addition, the county will use a range of communication tools such as email updates, social media, and direct outreach to keep the community informed as the project moves forward.
Yes, the county will continue to share information and gather feedback. While some decisions are technical or operational in nature, community questions and concerns will be thoughtfully considered and addressed as part of the process.
The cost and schedule will become more defined as the project moves through design and the contractor is brought on board. The county will share updates at key milestones and ahead of major decisions so the community stays informed as details are finalized.