Building For the Next Generation: Re-engaging With the Building Masterplan

What’s Being Proposed?

The County is studying the removal of the non-historic courthouse wings and the replacement of the Court and Sheriff programs with a new public services center, along with a seismic upgrade and renovation of the historic courthouse. This new configuration would consolidate the operations of 18 different County departments that are currently housed in five different buildings. The new center will also provide new inside and outside spaces for community use. This is intended to be an amenity for the community, not just a facility for the County.

Project History

This is not the first time San Juan County has explored updating its infrastructure. This has been a 20-year discussion with planning efforts in the 1980s, 90s, and 2000s. In 2018, the County led a 10-month effort to develop a master plan for a new County administration building in Friday Harbor. This effort included the expertise of the Miller Hull Partnership, in conjunction with an interdisciplinary team of design professionals. The process included programming efforts, community outreach, two initial site alternatives, and a final preferred option selected for further development.

What’s Next?

Currently in the ‘Program Verification and Master Planning’ stage, the County is working closely with Miller Hull Partnership to assess internal needs, gather department feedback, and establish a financial plan. Next, the County will enter the ‘Schematic Design Stage,’ at which point Miller Hull will produce a design that illustrates the general scope, scale, and relationship of project components. The design will be conceptual in character and ready for public input.

The County will use this first schematic design to lead community discussions, solicit public feedback, and hone the final product. Those interested in following the project progress can subscribe to updates here on the Engage page.