Construction on the new Douglas County Justice Center in Minden remains on schedule for its anticipated opening next year.
Douglas County released updated details on the construction process on Tuesday, including that 26% of the construction is now complete and that $12.6 million have so far been spent on the project.
The county says that the primary steel frame is now in place for the building’s core structural system while exterior metal framing will start sometime this month.
Mechanical subcontractors are also scheduled to start field work this month while second-floor concrete slab placement is also planned.
The county adds, “with the threat of tariffs and increased fuel cost, the County and CORE (Construction) pursued an aggressive material procurement schedule. Due to the efforts of this approach the majority of building materials have been secured without increased costs.”
Douglas County proudly hosted a successful groundbreaking ceremony for the new Justice Center on Friday, August 1, 2025, at the site on Buckeye Road in Minden. The event drew community members, county officials, and project partners to mark the start of construction on what will be a cornerstone for the county’s justice system.
The project represents more than a decade of planning and collaboration, with early site work already completed.
Attendees heard remarks from county leaders, judicial officials, and design partners before gathering to witness the ceremonial groundbreaking. The event also included light refreshments and an opportunity to meet the team behind the project.
AUGUST 1, 2025
Community members and officials gathered in Minden Friday morning to celebrate the new Douglas County Justice Center groundbreaking ceremony.
"This milestone marks over a decade of thoughtful planning to build a purpose-driven facility that meets the modern needs of our judicial and law enforcement system," Douglas County says in a Facebook post.
The new center is located on Buckeye Road and was previously estimated to be completed between 2026 and 2027.
Judge Tod Young from the 9th Judicial District Court said the new building will be larger and safer than the current justice center.
"There's no secure parking for the staff or the judges or any of the elected officials or members of the District Attorney's office. In addition to that, for the public there's no separation for the victims and perpetrators of crime. There's no separation for the juries."
According to the county, the new center is expected to enhance public safety, streamline judicial operations and help improve the quality of life for neighbors.
The county also said that no new taxes would be required for residents. The adoption of Ordinance 2024-1648, also known as the "2025 Justice Center Bond Ordinance," authorizes up to $37 million for the project. Meanwhile, Ordinance 2024-1649, or the "2025B Medium-Term Bond Ordinance," provides an additional $14 million.
(Douglas County contributed to this report.)
