The historic Mohave County courthouse, just west of the four-story Law and Justice Center in downtown Kingman. Photo by Dave Hawkins
KINGMAN – Two capital improvement projects providing fresh space for large portions of the Mohave County legal community appear to be moving forward. Construction contract awards by the Board of Supervisors for both could occur this month and next, provided reviews of the competitive bidding process protocols are successfully completed.
The remodel of the annex and historic courthouse and construction of a new Legal Services Center were both previously postponed. The courthouse remodel was shelved because bids came back too high two years ago, while the Legal Services Center snag involved projections of a significant budget deficit.
County Manager Sam Elters said hope for advancing both endeavors were uplifted when favorable bids came back for construction of the county’s Reach Out Facility, which recently underwent a groundbreaking ceremony.
“We were encouraged by the bids that we received,” Elters said. He noted that improved and favorable market factors for the county in the construction industry are also reflected in the bids for the remodel.
“We were hoping for a good bid and we received an excellent bid, so I anticipate that being awarded,” Elters said. Staff is recommending bid award during the Oct. 21 Board of Supervisors meeting.
Concord General Contracting of Mesa is the apparent low bidder at just above $6 million. One Phoenix firm bid about $7.2 million while another Phoenix company submitted the highest bid at $10.7 million.
The county has $10.7 million programmed in the budget for the remodel. Monies left after construction contract award would pay for construction contingencies, engineering and architectural services and furniture, as well as internet and audio-visual technology.
Courthouse renovations will create new space for the relocation of Justice Court operations and staff, currently housed in modular units, about a mile away on Beale St. in downtown Kingman.
Private sector vendors have until Oct. 31 to submit bids to build the Legal Services Center. That facility would be constructed on the parcel just north of the Law and Justice Center, where the old jail has been demolished and cleared, leaving the property vacant.
The Center would house lawyers and staff from the offices of Mohave County Attorney, Public Defender and Legal Defender. The Victims Witness, Legal Advocate and Indigent Legal Services components would also share the building.
In addition to construction, the county also must pay for construction contingencies, engineering and architectural services, furniture and audio-video and internet technology for the Center. $12.7 million has been budgeted.
Elters said award of bid for construction of the Center could occur in Nov., provided competitive bids are received within budget, and that all procurement protocols are met during staff review.
Dave Hawkins
