Brazos County commissioners moved forward with a major facilities project March 24, approving a $59 million construction contract for a new courthouse annex building expected to break ground in April.

About the project: This building will replace the former Bryan ISD administration building, which was demolished in 2024 after officials determined it was not suitable for renovation.

The new annex will include four floors of office space and a multilevel parking structure, with public parking on the ground level and secured access above. Plans call for more than 50 offices dedicated to probation officers. Other offices will be for deputies, attorneys and other facilities.

What you need to know: The contract for the project was approved in a 4-1 vote following public comments raising concerns about approving a maximum price before final designs are complete. However, county commissioners said they were confident in the process.

Next steps include a groundbreaking ceremony in April. Construction is expected to take about two years.

Bryan ISD trustees approved contracts for design and construction planning related to three high school projects at the board’s March 23 meeting, advancing work funded through the district’s 2025 bond. 

What you need to know: The board unanimously approved contracts with Houston-based architecture firms VLK and PBK for renovations at Bryan and Rudder high schools, as well as the rebuild of Bryan Collegiate High School, respectively.

The cost: More than $98 million is estimated for renovations at BHS and RHS and Nearly $49 million is estimated for the rebuild of BCHS.

The details: Bryan Collegiate High School will be demolished and rebuilt at its same site, located at 1901 E. Villa Maria Road, Bryan, as according to official documents. Construction will include new parking driveways, a playfield and additional site amenities.

Bryan High's renovations include kitchen, cafeteria, locker rooms and auditorium; Rudder High renovations include new space for the barber/cosmetology program and updated dance studio and band hall.

What's next: District officials will continue refining estimates before posting construction timelines.

From a new burger joint to an expanding community recreation center, check out six projects in the Bryan-College Station area that have filed permits with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation since early March.

Chick-fil-A renovation: A Chick-fil-A location in Bryan will be undergoing a remodel, which will include added drive-thru and employee access doors, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning system upgrades.

• Address: 2210 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan
• Cost: $150,000
• Timeline: July 6-Dec. 7

• Address: 3901 Hwy. 6 S., College Station
• Cost: $850,000
• Timeline: Feb. 2-May 4

• Address: 1128A Harvey Drive, College Station
• Cost: $465,000
• Timeline: April 15-Oct. 31

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A section of Graham Road in College Station is slated to be closed for the next three weeks beginning March 23, according to a news alert from the city.

The full story: The section, which runs from Birmingham Road to Dove Crossing Lane, will be closed as the city replaces a concrete storm sewer, officials said March 19.

As a result of the closure, detours will be in place.

What else: A section of Graham east of Longmire Drive was also closed for utility work, but it reopened on the evening of March 23, according to the alert.