Belgrade outlines $1.6M plan to convert Heck Elementary into Justice Center
March 09, 2026 | Belgrade, Gallatin County, Montana
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
City Manager Cardwell presented details of the planned Justice Center renovation at the former Heck Elementary school, saying asbestos and hazardous-material abatement proved more extensive than early reports and that staff re‑scoped the project to fit available funds.
“The initial report showed that only about 60% of the drywall of the building needed to be removed. In reality it was probably closer to 85, 90% when everything was all said and done,” Cardwell said, describing additional demolition and removal triggered by contractor testing.
Staff are adapting the floor plan to use the gym as the courtroom, create a court lobby and transaction window, provide jury and judge offices in two adjacent classrooms, and build a secure office and evidence area for the police department. Cardwell said some parts of the building will remain as shell space for future renovation due to budget limits and that the project does not currently include a new parking lot.
The total initial project cost was summarized at about $1.6 million, with roughly $100,000 added from refunds received from MMIA. Cardwell said staff expect the cost to settle as numbers firm up and that remaining funds would be used for furniture and ancillary items. HVAC improvements will be phased: the front section supporting court use will receive conditioned air, while police areas may begin with window units and be upgraded later; adding three‑phase power to support full HVAC was estimated to cost about $50,000 for service only.
Cardwell briefed the council on construction sequencing, constraints from the building’s multiple historic additions, and the need to keep certain sections closed during work. He also noted required mitigation where hazardous soils and lead paint exist around a house on the site, which will affect any future grading or parking‑lot work.
No formal action or vote was taken at the workshop; council members asked clarifying questions about playground access during construction and reuse of existing equipment.
The council will receive further updates as bids and schedules firm up.
“The initial report showed that only about 60% of the drywall of the building needed to be removed. In reality it was probably closer to 85, 90% when everything was all said and done,” Cardwell said, describing additional demolition and removal triggered by contractor testing.
Staff are adapting the floor plan to use the gym as the courtroom, create a court lobby and transaction window, provide jury and judge offices in two adjacent classrooms, and build a secure office and evidence area for the police department. Cardwell said some parts of the building will remain as shell space for future renovation due to budget limits and that the project does not currently include a new parking lot.
The total initial project cost was summarized at about $1.6 million, with roughly $100,000 added from refunds received from MMIA. Cardwell said staff expect the cost to settle as numbers firm up and that remaining funds would be used for furniture and ancillary items. HVAC improvements will be phased: the front section supporting court use will receive conditioned air, while police areas may begin with window units and be upgraded later; adding three‑phase power to support full HVAC was estimated to cost about $50,000 for service only.
Cardwell briefed the council on construction sequencing, constraints from the building’s multiple historic additions, and the need to keep certain sections closed during work. He also noted required mitigation where hazardous soils and lead paint exist around a house on the site, which will affect any future grading or parking‑lot work.
No formal action or vote was taken at the workshop; council members asked clarifying questions about playground access during construction and reuse of existing equipment.
The council will receive further updates as bids and schedules firm up.
Don't Miss a Word: See the Full Meeting!
Go beyond summaries. Unlock every video, transcript, and key insight with a Founder Membership.
✓
Get instant access to full meeting videos
✓
Search and clip any phrase from complete transcripts
✓
Receive AI-powered summaries & custom alerts
✓
Enjoy lifetime, unrestricted access to government data
30-day money-back guarantee
