SVPA Architects Inc. and HDR Inc. presented a $127 million project to renovate and expand the Polk County Courthouse to the Polk County Board of Supervisors this morning. The new proposal calls for renovations to the existing courthouse and for a new eight-story building to be constructed south of it.

This option is the eighth proposal the architects have developed over nearly two years and, taking into account that it will reduce the amount of space the county leases to house court operations, it is the cheapest option thus far.

The first proposal presented to the board was for a $180 million new building, which county supervisors worried would be too expensive to receive public approval. The planning committee also considered moving into Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s downtown space when the company moves into its new building in two years, but the plan would have only met current courthouse needs.

“This (new plan) is a good investment,” said Rob West of HDR, “not only in initial costs, but also long-term costs.”

Under the proposal, the new building would meet courthouse needs until 2028 with the possibility of expanding into undeveloped space inside the new building and on the property. The existing courthouse also would be reconfigured to allow more secure courtrooms and to more fully utilize the building. It is expected to take about six years to complete, versus the four years for the $180 million plan, and contain 52 courtrooms, versus 57 in the original plan.

“I think it’s time for the board, I hope, to accept the plan and move on so we can get ready for the next step,” said Polk County Supervisor Angela Connolly.

The Board of Supervisors will likely vote whether to put the project on the ballot for public vote at its Jan. 2 meeting.