Teton commissioners move ahead on Adams Canyon coroner facility design contract

Teton County commissioners on March 3 approved a $326,248 architectural contract with Plan One/Architects to design a new county coroner’s facility on county property at Adams Canyon. The project is expected to be roughly 3,000–3,500 square feet (about 3,100 gross square feet in the contract documents) and is being planned with a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) delivery method. Details are in the county’s staff report and contract packet: Coroner’s Facility Project Staff Report and Attachments Packet.

County staff said the architect was selected through an RFQ process posted in November 2025 by Wember, the county’s owner’s representative for the project; three firms were interviewed Jan. 7 and Plan One/Architects was recommended based on experience, cost and presentation. The packet also notes a prior feasibility study cost of $30,333 and estimates construction costs “conservatively” around $5 million, though the final estimate will depend on design.

The schedule in the staff report shows design running Feb.–Sept. 2026, entitlements/permitting Oct. 2026–Jan. 2027, with bidding overlapping late 2026 into early 2027 and construction projected March–Dec. 2027. Staff noted the current elected coroner plans to retire this year; the architect is expected to work with the current coroner and any candidates who declare after June 1 to understand facility needs.