Moffat County Government Complex and Courthouse
Exploring options through understanding a community's justice system needs and functionality
Located in Craig, Colorado, the Moffat County Commissioners recognized that their historic courthouse—originally built in 1917 with an addition completed in 1962—no longer met the needs of County staff or the public they served. County departments were dispersed across four separate locations throughout the city, making public access difficult and creating additional challenges related to maintenance and security.
In 2020, Moffat County identified the need to consolidate all departments under one roof but required expert guidance on the best path forward: whether to renovate and repurpose a vacant big-box store or to update the existing courthouse. To assist in this critical decision, Treanor was engaged to evaluate all available options.
Repurposing underutilized spaces for community good
Treanor led the programming and design of a new county Government Center and Courthouse. The adaptive reuse of abandoned big box stores is a trend nationwide as agencies realize the cost reduction, shortened schedules, and fewer environmental impacts.
Moffat County’s decision to repurpose the former Kmart building into its new courthouse was both practical and visionary. Originally built in 1993 and closed in 2016, the one-story, 96,000-square-foot structure offered a cost-effective alternative to constructing a new facility from the ground up. This adaptive reuse not only preserved a large, vacant commercial space but also allowed the county to consolidate all judicial and administrative services under one roof, improving efficiency and public access. The transformation reflects a sustainable approach to civic development, breathing new life into a once-abandoned retail site.
The design team explored innovative strategies to “rebrand” the former big-box store, focusing on introducing natural light into the core of the building. The program required clear security separation between courthouse functions and county departments, while maintaining efficient back-of-house connections for staff.
The existing parking lot was reconfigured to create distinct public and staff parking areas, featuring a dedicated drop-off zone and improved wayfinding for visitors. The team also addressed evolving county needs, enhanced security measures, and prioritized staff support areas throughout the design.
The project scope included three new courtrooms, with associated judicial support spaces, secure holding areas, and clerk offices. The renovation consolidated all county government departments and support offices for the courts, including the county attorney, elected officials, public health services, and the county extension office. Additionally, a separate building was constructed on-site to house the county’s maintenance and facilities department.
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