Site and building concept image. 

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - October 23, 2025

Cook County officials have scheduled an official groundbreaking ceremony for the new Law Enforcement Center (LEC) Addition and Renovation Project for next week. The event will take place on Tuesday, October 28, immediately following the adjournment of the Cook County Board of Commissioners' Regular Meeting.

The Commissioners' meeting is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Cook County Courthouse. The exact start time of the groundbreaking ceremony depends on when the meeting ends, which is estimated to be between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., according to Public Information Coordinator Todd Ford. The LEC is located at 143 Gunflint Trail in Grand Marais, MN. Members of the community and media are invited to attend the ceremony. 

County officials participating in the ceremonial "turn of the dirt" are expected to include Cook County Commissioners, County Administrator Kristen Trebil-Halbersma, and Sheriff Pat Eliasen. They will be joined by representatives from Johnson Wilson Constructors, serving as Construction Manager at Risk, and BKV Group, the Architect.

The project is an addition and renovation to the existing Law Enforcement Center. It aims to create a safe, efficient, and responsible expansion that addresses current operational and safety needs while planning for future growth. The work centers on a new 7,754-square-foot addition and remodeling of the existing Sheriff's Office building.

The proposal for the addition includes a combined Community Room and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and an enlarged Vehicle Sallyport designed to accommodate modern squad cars and all-terrain ambulances, improving security and efficiency. It will also provide dedicated spaces for deputies, such as an Open Office Area, a Locker Room/Restroom/Shower for staff, and an Emergency Management Office, along with improved facilities for Evidence Processing and Storage.

Remodeling of the existing Sheriff’s Office will address facility and code issues. This work will replace mechanical systems, specifically the boilers, hot water distribution, Air Handling Unit (AHU), water heater, and generator, as well as roof and window replacements. Additionally, modifications to jail holding dayrooms will be completed as required by the Minnesota Department of Corrections (MnDOC).

In a September 2024 "Cook County Connections" update, former County Administrator James Joerke said that "work was intended to address the lack of space in the Sheriff’s office and for judicial functions in the existing Courthouse, as well as the inability to adequately separate plaintiffs and defendants during court proceedings, putting the public and staff at risk." 

The preliminary proposal for the LEC included an addition for extra space on the north side and new construction of a judicial center on the south side. 

However, according to Joerke, "The Board was uncomfortable with the idea of proceeding with the whole project," which had a cost of $27.9 to $32.7 million, "but agreed to request from BKV a more detailed proposal for complete architectural services related to the Sheriff’s Office addition."

Budget information presented at a May 2025 public information open house estimated the cost for the new 8,000-square-foot addition at approximately $7,000,000 and the capital improvement remodeling and renovation of the existing office at approximately $2,000,000.

The project has secured state funding support through a Minnesota bill authored by MN Representative Roger Skraba, which authorized an appropriation of $8,700,000 from the bond proceeds fund. This money is designated for a grant to Cook County, intended to design, construct, and equip the renovation and expansion of the Law Enforcement Center and the remodeling of the Cook County Courthouse, which was completed this summer.