Montezuma County Combined Courts

Montezuma County was the last county in the state of Colorado to combine the district and county courts, as required under state statutes. But when the building was done, it was considered the most technically advanced courthouse in the state. 

Architect
Humphries Poli Architects

Award
LEED Certified

Location
Cortez CO 

Category
Governmental

Square Footage
28,425 

Construction Costs
$9.5M

Opened in October 2017, the building combined probation, district court, and county court, which increased administrative efficiency and improved public service. The county chose new construction over remodeling to better serve the public and better anticipate future growth. 

In 2018, the courthouse earned the sustainable design “LEED Certification” by meeting performance standards. ME&E designed and integrated energy-efficient mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, as well as fire protection and fire alarm systems, to provide safety and comfort to the courthouse employees and visitors.  

Montezuma County is home to Mesa Verde National Park and Canyon of the Ancients. The building was sited to face Mesa Verde and includes a circular kiva design at the entrance, a reference to the community rooms of the Ancestral Puebloans.