Success by Design

Designed by Warren & Goodin Inc., Architects-Engineers

Completed in January 1996, this new courts facility features 11 courtrooms (six jury courts, two non-jury hearing courts, three family court hearing rooms including one probate court) with associated judicial chambers, jury facilities, court clerk facilities, sheriff's offices and prisoner holding facilities. The goal, and challenge, of the project was to provide maximum square footage for the funds available while providing new, modern levels of efficiency and security through: Electronic surveillance and communication systems; physical and electronic screening of all entrants into the facility; built-in circulation patterns and facility use zoning, separating the occupants into three categories the public and general employees; judges and jurors; and prisoners and permitting them to come together only in the courtrooms; direct access to the sheriff in emergencies; and design that allows for a future 35,000-square-foot fourth floor.