Floor Plans Approved for New County Courthouse

December 13, 2001
Sharyn Wisniewski, 267-8823
County Executive

Dane County Executive Kathleen M. Falk today announced that she, Dane County Board Chair Kevin Kesterson and Chief Judge Michael Nowakowski have approved the Final Schematic Design for the new Justice Center. “I’m pleased that we are moving ahead with the courthouse, and staying on budget,” said Falk. Kesterson said, "I am pleased with the ingenuity of the architects; they have developed a design that is both visually striking and functionally efficient." Nowakowski said, “This preliminary design offers the promise of a safe and efficient courthouse that the citizens of Dane County will be proud to call their own.” The Durant Group’s floor plan layouts for the eight floors of the Justice Center,to be built at the corner of Wilson and Hamilton streets in Madison, were recommended by the Courthouse Design Committee and the Justice Center Planning Oversight Committee. The Durant Group is the architectural and engineering firm designing the 216,000 square foot triangular-shaped facility. Occupancy of the floors will be as follows: Lower level: Secure parking and central holding Plaza level: Café, law library, media room, jury assembly and juvenile court programs. First floor (entry level): Clerk of Courts, initial arraignment courtroom and probate. Second floor: Commissioner’s center, family court counseling and bailiff. Third floor: District Attorney offices. Fourth through eighth floors: Courtrooms, jury deliberation suites, offices for judges and staff. Green building features will be incorporated into the design wherever appropriate. The next phase is design development, during which the architect develops basic interior and exterior design details. The overall $42 million project, includes site acquisition, demolition of the Hamilton Street and Risser buildings, tenant relocation, construction of the new courthouse and moving expenses. Construction is expected to begin in October 2002, with completion in August 2004. # # #