Riverside Hospital Commissioners Discuss Cost Estimates for Regional Forensic Science Center

In the heart of Sedgwick County, a pivotal discussion unfolded during the Board of Commissioners Staff Meeting on August 12, 2025, as officials explored the potential relocation of the Regional Forensic Science Center to the Riverside Hospital site. The meeting, marked by a detailed presentation of cost estimates, highlighted the complexities and financial implications of such a move.

Tanya, a key presenter, outlined the estimated costs associated with the project, beginning with a $5 million purchase price for the Riverside building. Additional expenses included $4 million for exterior renovations and over $19 million for essential mechanical, electrical, and plumbing infrastructure. The total projected cost for establishing the Regional Forensic Science Center alone was estimated at approximately $14 million, based on a required 57,000 square feet of space.

However, the conversation quickly expanded beyond just the forensic center. Commissioners discussed the broader implications of utilizing the Riverside site for various county services, including potential space for Comcare and public health departments. The total estimated cost for transforming the Riverside facility into a comprehensive county campus reached over $84 million, a stark contrast to the current $20 million budget for the forensic center alone.

As the meeting progressed, concerns about the aging infrastructure of Riverside Hospital were raised. Justin Graham, an expert from Schaeffer, Johnson, Cox, and Frey, emphasized the need for significant renovations due to outdated systems and the building's complex layout. He noted that while the cost estimates reflect necessary upgrades, no detailed spatial planning had yet been conducted to determine how various departments could effectively share the space.

The discussion also touched on the potential for cost savings through economies of scale if multiple departments were to be relocated simultaneously. However, it became clear that not all proposed services could fit within the Riverside facility, prompting commissioners to consider which departments might need to be prioritized or excluded from the plan.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners were left with a wealth of information and a challenging decision ahead. The potential relocation of the Regional Forensic Science Center to Riverside Hospital could reshape county services, but it also raised critical questions about funding, infrastructure, and the future of public health and safety in Sedgwick County. The path forward remains uncertain, but the discussions held on that August day will undoubtedly influence the county's strategic planning for years to come.