Bids received for proposed justice center

The Howell County Commission received and is reviewing architectural bids for the new justice center or jail facility. Four architectural firms: HMN Architects, Elevatus Architects, HOK Architects, and N·FORM Architects placed bids, opened during the commission meeting on May 21.

 

The bids did not include a price and are based on qualifications only. Each firm will receive a score based on specialized experience, capacity capability, past record of performance (e.g. cost control, policy work, ability to meet schedules), and proximity and familiarity of the area. The bids also include references to previous clients that had related work within the past five years. The top two firms will receive an in-person interview. A review team consisting of Presiding Commissioner Ralph Riggs, Northern Commissioner Calvin Wood, Southern Commissioner Bruce Williams, Sheriff Matt Roberts, and a judicial member, who has not at this time been selected, will decide which firm to use.

 

All four firms have experience with designing justice buildings. HMN Architects, located in Overland Park, Kansas, designed the law enforcement center in Douglas County. Elevatus Architects, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, designed the law enforcement center in Franklin County. HOK Architects, located in St. Louis, designed the Wayne County criminal justice center. N·FORM Architects, the closest firm, located in Springfield, designed the Greene County sheriff’s office and jail. 

 

The issue was tabled, providing time for commissioners to review the bids over the next 2-3 weeks. After the commission chooses a firm, a needs assessment will be performed, determining whether a new jail facility or justice center can be built. Voters could see a justice center tax on the ballot as early as April 2027, as additional funding will be needed for the project.