Travis County officials said last week that 20 development firms are interested in a potential public-private partnership that would include a new county civil courthouse in downtown Austin.
County commissioners voted in April to seek proposals on the project. The offers must be in by June 30.
The new courthouse is expected to cost $300 million. If a partnership with a private developer cannot be obtained, voters could be asked to approve general obligation bonds for the project, said County Judge Samuel Biscoe.
Officials envision a 17-story facility with family and civil courts along with retail and commercial space.
The proposed facility would replace the current courthouse, which was built in 1931. Biscoe said it would be designed for an 80-year service life, with room for expansions.
The county purchased a downtown site for the courthouse last year for $22 million.
Travis County’s $631 million of outstanding GOs are rated triple-A by Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s.
