GRAND ISLAND, Neb. -- Architects working on the Hall County courthouse will now focus their efforts on designing an addition to the courthouse building.

The Hall County Commissioners voted 7-0 Tuesday morning to approve Davis Design working on plans for the addition and remodel of the existing space.

The firm said the addition will consist of about 36,000 square feet and will cost between $16 million and $18 million to build. This would include the remodeling of some items and the repair of the Annex, parking and sidewalks.

The total cost for the courthouse remodel plus the addition would be between $30 million and $35 million. The commissioners chose this option over more expensive options that involved building an entirely new structure.

The commissioners agreed that their priority for the courthouse is safety and space.