The $46 million Gallatin County Justice Center in Bozeman, MT, is officially completed, funded by a $29 million bond passed by county voters in 2021. The 67,000 sq. ft. facility replaces a 40-year-old structure and offers a modern, efficient space designed to meet the growing demands of Gallatin County’s legal system and public services. The project came in under budget, and the old building will be demolished to make room for parking, ensuring the center’s accessibility to the public.

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Facility Overview and Features

Martel Construction of Bozeman was selected as the contractor for the project, which broke ground in October 2022. The newly completed center includes a wide range of services, accommodating the legal needs of the county with ample room for growth and adaptation. It features four district courts, two justice courts, a youth court, probation offices, a self-help law center, a public community and jury assembly room, and a security detail office.

Additionally, the facility includes various support spaces, such as offices for the clerk of courts and standing master. These spaces will help streamline county operations, improving overall efficiency for both court personnel and the public.

Gallatin County Commissioner Zach Brown highlighted the facility’s flexibility, saying, "It'll provide a lot of flex space for other I.T., records, facility personnel, and more flex office space for the county as we continue to grow." The design ensures that the building can adapt to future needs, enhancing its utility for the county's expanding services.

Cost Management and Timeline

The project began in 2022, and despite the challenges of construction in the face of inflation and supply chain delays, the project remained on track. "It is $46 million; the good news is we have come so far — we are not done yet, but we have come in a million dollars under budget. But we must still demo the existing building," said Gallatin County Chief Manager Nick Borzak. This positive financial outcome reflects the careful planning and efficient execution of the project, allowing the county to achieve a high-quality facility at a lower cost.

Borzak also noted the scale of the previous building, stating, "The old building was quite old. Systems were failing. Mechanical systems were failing. Not great ADA access. Pretty much that building served its purpose. The county used it for about 40 years. And I think when they purchased it, they planned on seven years. So, the taxpayers got their money out of that one for sure."

The Old Building’s Legacy and the Future of the Justice Center

The old justice center was a 40-year-old facility that had become increasingly outdated and inefficient. The building, the largest cinderblock structure in Montana, was made up of 198,000 blocks. Over the years, the structure's mechanical systems and ADA compliance were increasingly inadequate, making it clear that a new facility was needed.

The new Gallatin County Justice Center addresses the deficiencies of the old building while providing additional room to meet the demands of a growing population and expanding services. It incorporates the latest construction methods and technology to ensure a safe and functional environment for county employees, residents, and visitors.

With the old structure being demolished after the move to the new facility, the resulting space will be used for parking, improving accessibility for those visiting the Justice Center.

A New Era for Gallatin County

The completion of the Gallatin County Justice Center represents a significant milestone for Bozeman and the surrounding region. As the county continues to grow, the new facility will provide an essential hub for legal, government, and public services. The center is not only a testament to the county's commitment to meeting future needs but also a symbol of thoughtful investment in public infrastructure.

A public surplus sale is set for January 25, where items from the old justice center will be sold, allowing the community to benefit from the repurposing of materials from the previous building.

The successful completion of this project marks the beginning of a new chapter for Gallatin County's justice system, ensuring that the county is well-prepared to meet the challenges of the future.