It’s a project that’s been on the city’s back burner for a few years now and doesn’t appear to be moving from that
spot any time soon. In early 2016, the city purchased property at 55 Sinagua Drive, adjacent to Sedona City Hall, for $850,000.
The purpose of that purchase was to transform the current building on the property to the new courtroom as well
as add additional parking for city staff and visitors. “This project is currently on hold pending the remodel design project for
the police department,” City Engineer Andy Dickey said. “We anticipate developing a better understanding of
space needs, which can help refine the needs for space at the Sinagua Drive building.”
The city is currently advertising a Request for Qualifications for consultants that will be considered
for designing the police department remodel project. Included in the original plans for the courtroom was office space for
three clerks, court administrator office, judge’s chambers, jury room, lawyer conference room, file room, bathroom
facilities and kitchen area within. In total, the estimated requirements for improvements will be between 1,312
and 1,528 square feet. Currently the building gets used for temporary storage and periodically for meetings and training, Dickey said.
As for the delay in renovating the building, he said it’s a matter of the costs not falling within the city’s budget.
“We’ve bid the project and had a contractor provide a proposal through a cooperative agreement,” he said.
“All bids and proposals have exceeded budget.” If the Sinagua Building remodel proceeds and the court offices are
moved there, the existing court office space would be remodeled to be a part of the police department building, he said.
“This property has significant long term value to the city,” Sedona City Manager Justin Clifton said shortly
after the purchase of the building three-and-a-half years ago. “The city government has changed significantly
since incorporation. Odds are very good that more change can be expected over the next 30 years and beyond.
“While it is impossible to know what kind of government Sedona citizens will want in the future, there is a
reasonable possibility that demand for government services could increase. The property is adjacent to the current
city hall complex and represents the only opportunity to expand facilities while maintaining the convenience
of housing many services at one location.”
