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 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.