Next step towards proposed justice center

The Howell County Commission chose a Fort Wayne, Ind.-based architecture firm to prepare a needs assessment for the county’s next law enforcement facility. Chosen from the three firms interviewed, Elevatus Architects stood out to the commission because of their experience in designing law enforcement facilities, and their “prototype” approach. 

 

Howell County must follow RSMo Sections 8.285–8.291, Qualifications Based Selection of Engineers and Architects, and Presiding Commissioner Ralph Riggs took the time to explain exactly how Elevatus stood out based on the selection process prescribed by state law. 

 

“They demonstrated through a review of their prior projects that they have a unique approach to design of law enforcement centers. One unique qualification that we considered was their application of a prototype approach. They have designed several structures similar to the requirements that we are considering, including size of structure and number of beds for detention. This was represented as a reduction in design costs. Our facility could be a modification of an existing design,” Riggs said in an email to Howell County News. 

 

Elevatus excelled in the evaluation requirements specifically, “in the fact that they have designed several facilities similar to what we are needing; also they have retired sheriffs on staff that have significant experience in the operations of law enforcement facilities.”

 

The initial phase of any project that would update the jail and/or court facilities will determine the space, operational, security, and functional requirements necessary for a modern facility capable of serving the county for years to come.

 

“It is not our intent to build a structure that would grace the cover of Architectural Digest,” Riggs expanded, “We are well aware of the daily financial strain on the citizens of Howell County and we will be working toward a solution that will be of the minimum impact to our residents while working to solve our sheriff office and detention safety issues.”

 

Costs are not discussed at this point in the selection process, Riggs said. The cost of this needs assessment will be budgeted for the county’s 2027 expenses. The overall cost of any improvements, whether to the jail facility itself, or a new justice center that combines courts and jail facilities, will likely need to be funded by a new tax or bond issue. 

 

“The construction of a justice center will totally be decided by the taxpayers,” Riggs told the News in April.