The future of the community depends on strategic investment in essential public facilities. Alachua County’s Facilities Master Plan provides a long-term roadmap for maintaining, improving and building infrastructure that supports public safety, justice and community services.

Projects such as a new Fire Rescue headquarters and a modern civil courthouse will strengthen services, improve accessibility and support future growth.

Community input remains central to the process. Residents are encouraged to share feedback and stay engaged as projects move forward.

See the latest Master Plan presentation

Courthouse Complex

The new civil courthouse is the county’s largest active project and a cornerstone of the Facilities Master Plan. Designed by DLR Group, architect of the Judge Stephan P. Mickle Sr. Criminal Courthouse, the project builds on existing system familiarity.

The courthouse will be constructed adjacent to the Mickle Courthouse and coordinated with a 500-space parking garage by FINFROCK and a central energy plant.

The plant will use thermal energy storage to shift cooling production to off-peak hours, improving efficiency, reducing costs and increasing reliability. It will serve the existing courthouse, new courthouse and public defender’s office.

Site work is progressing, with key milestones scheduled for spring 2026. The guaranteed maximum price will be presented in April, followed by a notice to proceed on April 27. Ajax is expected to mobilize in June. Completion is targeted for March 2028.

Fire Rescue Headquarters & Emergency Operations Center

Construction at the Armory is progressing, with substantial completion now expected Feb. 9, 2026, following schedule adjustments for asbestos abatement, equipment replacement and national supply delays.

Fire Rescue Headquarters and Emergency Management will relocate after completion, with additional work including exterior painting, landscaping and a public art installation. Final completion is expected in May 2026.

East Tumblin Creek

The former Budget Inn has been converted into East Tumblin Creek, providing affordable housing. The project is in final punch list phase, with completion expected in April 2026. Gray Construction is the contractor.

Forest Edge

The former Scottish Inn has been redeveloped into Forest Edge, adding affordable housing. Final punch list work is underway, with completion expected in April 2026. Gray Construction is the contractor.

Sunrise Residence Inn

The county acquired the Sunrise Residence Inn to improve living conditions for residents. Renovations are expected to begin in summer 2026, starting with eight units and continuing in phases until all units are upgraded.

Land Conservation Complex

The Land Conservation Complex will be funded through the voter-approved Wild Spaces Public Places surtax and located at Four Creeks Preserve. The facility will centralize lands staff and serve as a trailhead, improving operations and public access.

The project is ready for release in OpenGov. Advertisement is pending completion of a pedestrian beacon for safe access. A 30-day bid period is expected, with construction anticipated to begin in July 2026.

Rural Collection Center - Newberry

A new rural collection center in the city of Newberry will expand access to waste services. Design is underway, with construction expected to begin in 2026 and continue into 2027.

The facility will provide drop-off for household waste, recycling, bulk items and yard debris, with improved space and traffic flow.

Fire Station No. 25 (Tech City)

Design is underway for Fire Station 25 in San Felasco Tech City in the City of Alachua. The project supports continued modernization of fire facilities and improved response times. Tech City is a growing live-work-play community that integrates commercial, residential and recreational spaces alongside a 7,200-acre natural preserve.

The station will use a reuse design approach, with Lunz Group as architect and Scorpio as construction manager at risk. It will be the third station delivered using this model, following Stations 21 and 80. Once complete, it is expected to be the county’s most energy-efficient station, aligning with Tech City’s sustainability goals.

Capital Preservation Projects

In addition to new construction, the Facilities Management Department is advancing capital preservation projects focused on deferred maintenance and infrastructure renewal.

Deferred maintenance includes the repair or replacement of major building systems due to age, wear or obsolescence, such as roofs, chillers, boilers, air handling units and life safety components. Addressing these needs helps protect county assets, extend facility life cycles and prevent costly failures.

In 2026, Facilities is managing about 60 projects totaling approximately $9 million. Work includes chiller replacements at the Josiah T. Walls building downtown and the sheriff’s office; boiler replacements at the Alchua County Administration Building and criminal courthouse; and upgrades at the jail, including doors, equipment, roofing and electrical systems.

Additional projects include warehouse buildouts for Fire Rescue, the Health Department and the Supervisor of Elections, as well as restroom and kitchen renovations at Fire Stations 41 and 82.