Project Overview

The design of this new 14 courtroom courthouse embodies the character and imagery of traditional courthouse iconography, while introducing contemporary architectural themes. The dominant use of architectural precast on the building exterior plays a significant role in achieving that goal.

The courthouse sits prominently on Main Street. With its dramatic two-story high entrance centered on the site, the building extends east and west across the site, creating a grand civic presence using traditional courthouse design principles such as symmetry and a strong signature entry form. In a contemporary twist, the east and west flanking building wings bow to create a gentle concave curve that embraces a civic forecourt some 80 feet back from Main Street. A traditional colonnade extends from the entry to the east and west sides of the building creating a weather protected walkway for pedestrians leading from parking and drop off areas to the front door of the courthouse.

The building massing consists of a two-story podium situated against the backdrop of a five-story tower. The exterior architecture of the podium features stone detailing along the base. The balance of the façade consists of architectural precast concrete in a color compatible with the stone. The east side of the podium features an exterior courtyard where visitors can relax outside during nice weather. Columns of architectural precast concrete punctuate the glass wall on the first floor main entrance, creating a rhythm of form that recalls the architecture of the podium below.

The precast on the project helped achieve the architect's design goals. The building design is enhanced by the deep articulation and repetition of the shapes. The color and texture of the architectural precast panels recall the stone exterior of the historic courthouse this new courthouse replaced. The stone veneer was cast into the precast panels which reduced cost and construction time. Architectural precast provided the strength and durability needed for a significant public building.