Report: Courthouse project would cost Milwaukee County $367M

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MILWAUKEE (AP) — A new report says Milwaukee County will need help from the state or a private business partner to build a proposed $367 million criminal courthouse.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that the Wisconsin Policy Forum found that the county could also approve a temporary tax increase to help pay for a replacement of the county’s current Safety Building, which now houses various criminal courts at 821 W. State St., Milwaukee.

County consultants found in 2016 that the building needs various changes to bring it into compliance with modern operating standards and building codes. The building has asbestos, pests and poor air and water quality.

Several of the building’s criminal courtrooms also fail to meet the state Supreme Court’s safety standards.

The county proposed building a 10-story criminal courthouse, which was estimated to cost $262 million. But the report says relocating services during construction would bring the project cost up to $367 million.