Tulsa World: Price tag for Tulsa County Courthouse repairs has officials pondering a new site

Tulsa County officials have for years been kicking around the idea of either building a new courthouse or buying a structure to house its court services.

That conversation took on a new sense of urgency Tuesday when county leaders learned that it would cost an estimated $55.4 million to $73.2 million to make basic repairs to the nearly 70-year-old building at 500 S. Denver Ave.

The estimates do not include soft costs such as architecture fees and material testing, which could increase the bill by 20%, and other associated expenses.

“I have been fairly outspoken,” District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler said during a special meeting of the Board of County Commissioners. “I think we just need to go do a completely new courthouse.”

Kunzweiler said the county should explore partnering with other local government entities and nonprofits to create a facility where the public has access to a variety of court-related services.