The Washington County Administration Building and Parking Structure was developed to meet the County’s growing space needs in St. George, Utah. At 141,000 square feet, the new building consolidated multiple departments under one roof, while the adjacent 139,000 square foot parking structure supports both staff and public access. The design-build team of Simpson Coulter Studio and Watts Construction worked closely with County Commissioners, the County Manager, and user groups to create a program that accommodates future growth while ensuring efficiency and flexibility.

Key considerations included integrating the Greater Zion Visitor Center, establishing clear separation between public and private spaces, and responding appropriately to the historic downtown context. Throughout the programming and design process, the team collaborated in real time with County stakeholders, refining the building’s layout and aesthetics to reflect the values of Southern Utah. The design-build delivery method provided immediate feedback on constructibility, cost, and schedule, ultimately bringing the project in under budget and allowing for upgraded finishes such as Terrazzo flooring. More than half of the building façade is clad in 4-inch sandstone, a material choice that roots the project within its historic and natural context. As the largest facility ever completed by Washington County’s Public Works department, the Administration Building was carefully programmed to manage expectations and sized to accommodate the County’s growth for the next fifty years.