August 2005 – Members of the county commission say a lack of space is preventing taxpayers from conducting business. It will place a measure for a justice center on the November ballot. The original courthouse was built in 1932.
November 2005 – Texas County voters approve two, half-cent sales tax proposals to allow for construction of a justice center, renovations to the courthouse and improving county finances.
2006 – A groundbreaking ceremony is held at the future site of the county justice center. Among those attending were members of the Christie family who sold the property to the county. Family patriarch Bill Christie looked on.
December 2006 – Bids were opened Dec. 5 for the 61,500 square foot justice center, which also includes a 72-bed jail. Revenue bonds were sold earlier to finance the project.
May 2007 – New bids for construction of the justice center were opened after earlier proposals in December were over budget.
June 2007 – Firms selected to construct the $10 million county justice center gathered in Houston to discuss the project. Bonds totaling $15 million were sold to build the project and renovate the courthouse.
July 2007 – Excavation work is under way on the county justice site; a drawing of the structure is released. The design was revamped after bids exceeded estimates. A pitched roof and an upper level were eliminated.
October 2007 – A crane was used to lift steel at the site of the county justice center, which is on a 12-acre tract. The jail portion of the project is rising out of the ground near Spruce Street.
January 2008 – The Texas County Justice Center at Spruce Street and Grand Avenue is nearly enclosed.
March 2008 – A crane was used to lift a 50-ton air conditioner unit atop the building.
June 2008 – A cornerstone ceremony is held at the project site.
November 2008 – An open house and dedication is held. Some offices begin the move.
December 2008 – The Texas County Sheriff’s Department and jail inmates move to the new building.