Amendment updates Cocke County jail and courts project scope and raises construction estimates to $55.6M–$66.25M

An April 27, 2025 amendment to the county’s owner–architect agreement updates the design team and project assumptions for a new Cocke County Jail, Sheriff's Department and Courts facility.

The original AIA B101 agreement (dated Aug. 8, 2016) between Cocke County and Michael Brady, Inc. set a preliminary planning range—280–350 inmate beds and construction cost estimates between $20.5M and $27M depending on final scope. The April 2025 G802 amendment replaces the architectural firm with MBI Companies and revises the planning assumptions: the amendment lists a reduced planning range of 216–240 inmate beds, a building area estimate of 50,000–60,000 square feet for the jail, and an updated total construction cost window of approximately $55.6 million to $66.25 million. The amendment also identifies Jerry A. Isaksen, AIA, as the MBI authorized representative and updates hourly billing rates for the design team.

The amendment cites the need to revise program and budget assumptions and lists Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis and County Legislative Body Chairman William (Bill) Miller as signatories. The document retains the earlier scope elements: a needs assessment and space program, schematic and design development through construction administration, and additional services as required (surveying, off‑site utility design, USDA Rural Development loan assistance). It notes potential additional services such as transitional planning, furniture specification, and post‑occupancy review if requested.

The revised cost range in the amendment is an early planning estimate; the AIA documents state the final architect fee will be set as a percentage of final construction cost and that detailed design and bidding will determine firm contract amounts. The amendment does not by itself authorize construction; it updates the contract terms and the design team's responsibilities pending further county decisions and the procurement/bidding process.