The cost of the ongoing Johnson County Square project in downtown Olathe could be going up by nearly $1 million.
The latest: At this week’s meeting on Thursday, the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners will consider a measure to increase funding for the project by $900,000.
- That would bring the total cost of remaking the site of the former county courthouse into a public plaza to roughly $2.9 million.
Why the price increase: According to county documents, costs for the project have climbed as a result of inflation and market availability for certain construction materials.
- Johnson County is responsible for half of the project’s cost, with the city of Olathe set to pay the other half.
What the project entails: Once completed, Johnson County Square is meant to serve as a gathering space in downtown Olathe, just off Santa Fe Street in between the County Administration Building and the new courthouse
- The project includes outdoor features, including historical markers, an art garden and a tree grove seating area.
- The square could eventually serve as an outdoor venue for concerts and community events.
Bigger picture for Johnson County Square
This comes as the latest step in ongoing construction of the square, part of which was first unveiled last December, following the demolition of the old courthouse.
- The new Johnson County Courthouse opened at the start of 2021 and cost the county $193 million.
