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News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Flathead County Selects Design Firm for New Public Safety Facility
Flathead County, Montana – October 24, 2024 – Flathead County Board of Commissioners selected Elevatus Architecture on Thursday, October 24, 2024, as the design firm for the development of the new Public Safety Facility. This moment marks a major step forward in a project that has been years in the making, driven by meticulous planning, strategic budgeting, and dedicated effort.
The recommendation to the Board of Commissioners came from the Selection Board, comprised of Whitney Aschenwald, Pete Melnick, Jenny Root, Bob Keenan, Tom Anderson, Brett Walcheck, and Sheriff Brian Heino. Their innovative and thorough selection process included site visits to Seattle, Washington, and Fulton County, Indiana, where they evaluated design firms' credentials and toured similar facilities, ensuring the best possible choice for this critical development.
Elevatus Architecture specializes in designs that enhance safety, promote livability, and address the present and future needs of justice facilities. In 2023, they were ranked as the 5th largest justice facility architecture firm, with a project portfolio exceeding $4 billion. Elevatus Partner-in-Charge, Tony Vie, commented:
“We are truly honored to have been chosen to partner with Flathead County on the design and delivery of this vital Public Safety building. Our team is excited to collaborate closely with County leadership and residents to create a safe, secure, and enduring facility that seamlessly integrates into the community’s landscape. With a strong history of designing cutting-edge facilities that prioritize safety and operational efficiency and promote wellbeing, we are confident that our thoughtful approach will not only meet but exceed the needs of Flathead County. We believe in the power of listening to and engaging with the community throughout the design process, ensuring the final result reflects both local values and long-term success. We are committed to delivering a project that will serve Flathead County for generations to come.”
County Commissioner Pam Holmquist also commented on the progress of the Public Safety Facility, stating, “We recognized the need for this facility in 2017 and started saving separate funds at that time. Seven years later, we are closer than we’ve ever been. We still have a lot of work ahead of us and ultimately, it’s up to the citizens and voters of this county to move this project to completion.”
Commissioner Holmquist is available for interviews. To schedule or obtain more information, please contact Flathead County Public Information Officer, Tanath Bradley, at .
To hear the full transcript of today’s agenda visit: https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/3b49be4b-7e84-43e1-9269-af1d631dc5ac