Government
Work begins on $71M annex building
Diving in deeper
The $59 million construction contract includes about $53.7 million in direct costs. Some of those items, according to county documents, include: • $17M for masonry and various materials • $12M for heating, electric and plumbing • $3.8M on allowances • $2.5M on thermal and moisture protection The annex will replace the former Bryan ISD administration building, which was demolished in 2024 after o cials determined renovations weren’t suitable. David Hilburn, judge for the 361 District Court, said the project is meant to keep pace with Brazos County’s growth, which he noted has placed pressure on the local justice system. “This building ... is the next hole poked in the justice system’s belt that’s going to allow and relieve that strain,” he said.
Brazos County began construction on its new $71 million courthouse annex building in April. The work follows county commissioners’ approval of a $59 million construction contract March 24. The contract brings the project’s expected total to $71 million. Commissioners approved the contract in a 4-1 vote following public comments that raised concerns about approving a maximum price before nal designs are complete. However, county commissioners said they were
con dent in the process. The new annex will include four oors of o ce space and a multilevel parking structure, with public parking on the ground level. It will house around 140 county employees from multiple departments. A pedestrian bridge will connect it to the existing courthouse, construction documents show.
New Annex building
The new building will add more space for county workers.
Existing building Annex building
N.TEXAS AVE.
N
SOURCE: BRAZOS COUNTY COMMUNITY IMPACT
Stay tuned
Timeline of events
The project dates back to 2021 when the county acquired the property. Since then, various milestones have included planning, demolishing the existing building and approving contracts. A groundbreaking was scheduled for April 21, but it was canceled due to inclement weather. Despite this, construction will still move forward. Looking ahead, o cials involved with the project said they expect construction on the facility to take about two years.
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
May 2028: Project wraps up
2021: Brazos County acquires the land
Mid-2023: County commissioners approve demolition of current building
Early 2025: O cials award design contract
March 2026: County commissioners approve $59M contract for annex April 2026: Construction starts on annex
2022-23: O cials complete a feasibility study for the project
Mid-2024: Current building is demolished
SOURCE: BRAZOS COUNTY COMMUNITY IMPACT
An Investment in Texas public schools is an investment in the future.
Deann Lee Regional Advocacy Director – East Texas
@RYHT_ETexas /RYHTEastTexas
RaiseYourHandTexas.org
Are you ready to get involved and advocate for your local schools with us? Connect with your Regional Advocacy Director to get involved today.
Ad paid by Raise Your Hand Texas®
8
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Powered by FlippingBook