BONNERS FERRY — Construction noises and temporary fencing surround the former Safeway building  where construction is underway on a new courthouse for Boundary County.  

The $3.76 million project, which is being managed by Bonners Ferry Builders is expected to be completed in late September. The county purchased the building, which sits across the street from the current Boundary County Courthouse, for $700,000 in 2024. 

“The underground plumbing phase has been completed, with the work performed by Seaman Plumbing, framing is well underway, and Inland Masonry is currently completing the block wall infill and building repairs,” Denny Wedel, B.F. Builders and construction manager for the project, said. “As the next phase begins, the HVAC and electrical teams will be coming on site to begin their trades” 

Though the exterior of the building will remain substantially unchanged, officials said some changes will occur. 

“The finished project will include a new front entrance, along with a secure sally port addition at the rear,” Wedel said. “There will also be new security bollards installed along the frontage and asphalt repairs completed in both the front and rear areas.” 

One priority was removing asbestos from the building, which operated as a Safeway grocery store until 2017. It has been vacant since then. 

“B.F. Builders coordinated with a licensed asbestos abatement contractor and removed asbestos identified in the flooring and the drywall joint compound,” Wedel said. 

The building will include new courtrooms as well as offices for the county prosecutor and clerks. It is expected to make the old courtroom no longer necessary. 

The project has not experienced delays and despite recent snow, weather has not been a hindrance. 

“For the most part there haven’t been any big change orders,” Wedel said. “We’re on schedule.” 

Regular meetings are held with county officials to review the status and progress of the project. 

“We meet with the county commissioners once every two weeks,” Wedel said. “They have been exceptionally good to work with.” 

Wedel said the local nature of the project made it especially appealing. All of the subcontractors B.F. Builders has hired are based in North Idaho and many have previously worked with the company.

“It was pretty high priority on our list to try to get this project,” Wedel said. “It was local and we’re trying to hire as many local subcontractors as we can. It’s always good to use the subcontractors that you’re familiar with on how they work and how they perform.” 

Wedel said the project is meaningful to him because it will benefit Boundary County. 

“We’re pretty pleased to do a project for our own county,” Wedel said. “It’s rewarding to keep local tax dollars in the community and make improvements using local talent”