Justice Center update: demolition impacts and tariff risk flagged ahead of May start

Teton County’s owners-rep team (Wember/Berning Project Management) reported that demolition of the Hansen Courthouse began Feb. 25 and is complete, while demolition of the main courthouse began March 11 as part of the $118.5 million Teton County Justice Center rebuild. The update says sidewalks adjacent to the site along King Street and Simpson Avenue were closed to accommodate demolition work, and an air monitor was installed to track air quality during demolition. It also says the construction manager is emailing adjacent neighbors about upcoming road/sidewalk closures, unusual deliveries and “unusual noisy work” outside normal hours. (Project Monthly Update Report)

The report also highlights diversion/salvage work tied to the project’s LEED goals: salvaged courthouse materials were coordinated for reuse in the temporary courtrooms/offices or by other entities, and county facilities coordinated a surplus sale of furnishings/materials to keep items out of the landfill. Temporary modular courtrooms/offices were occupied by March 6, with punch-list adjustments ongoing. (Project Monthly Update Report)

On schedule, the owners-rep update lists “May 2026” as the construction start, with completion targeted for fall 2028 and “no critical path delays” identified as of March 24. But it flags “unknown tariff and construction escalation costs,” saying GE Johnson/DPR has identified materials expected to rise in price and the team is trying to lock in costs by finalizing submittals and purchase orders. A groundbreaking ceremony is expected to be scheduled in May after demolition is finished. (Project Monthly Update Report)

A related April 7 Board of County Commissioners agenda item seeks approval of a $265,503.80 materials-testing contract with Nelson Engineering (concrete, soil density, steel connections/welding and other special inspections), which staff says is required by the building permit and the International Building Code. (Justice Center Staff Report and Contract Attachment)