Flathead County knew it had outgrown its existing jail and Sheriff’s department. The facility was aging, deteriorating, and no longer met the needs of a growing community. Space was tight, systems were outdated, and operational inefficiencies made it difficult to recruit and retain staff.
Renowned for its expertise in designing public safety and detention facilities that are both functional and forward-thinking, Elevatus was brought in to help the County envision a long-term solution.
The team planned a modern, 118,000-square-foot facility designed to serve Flathead County for decades to come. It will feature administrative space for the Sheriff’s department, evidence storage and processing areas, a courtroom, around 200 general housing beds, and a special housing unit with more than 30 beds. The master plan also allows for future expansion, supporting growth as community needs evolve.
Elevatus approached the project with deep respect for the County’s operational realities. Through a series of working sessions with stakeholders and end users, the team tailored the facility’s layout to support day-to-day workflows. One example is the integration of dayroom showers directly into the housing units—a subtle shift with meaningful gains in supervision and movement efficiency.
Though the project is still in design, it has already become a catalyst for forward momentum. Flathead County is actively engaging the public to share the vision, build support, and lay the groundwork for a safer, smarter, and more resilient future.
