DLR Group has an office in Seattle, and was ranked the number-1 firm in the U.S. by Architect Magazine in September.
Sheriff Bill Elfo says the county needs a talented and experienced jail planner to make sure that the new jail can expand and adapt for future use, unlike the current overcrowded jail in downtown Bellingham.
Elfo says this may be one of the largest county projects of our generations, and it's important that it be done right.
Sheriff Elfo and county executive Jack Louws highlighted a property at Sunset Avenue and Labounty Road in Ferndale as the preferred site for the new jail during a presentation to the county council Tuesday night.
Louws told the council they could expect to vote on a contract with DLR Group in January, and possibly decide on buying the property as early as next summer.
