Lorain County Commissioners

Project Scope
New Justice Center

Approximate Project Budget
$45,000,000

Project Complete
April, 2004

Designed to house the courts as well as all court-related offices and support facilities, this state-of-the-art building fronts the public square in downtown Elyria, and faces the old courthouse that was built at the turn of the century. The new, seven-story, 224,000 square foot facility will integrate the electronic technology necessary for evidence presentation, video arraignment, real-time transcription, and public area information monitors along with accommodations for the media. Three separate circulation systems will allow independent movement of the public, court personnel, and prisoners throughout the facility. The facility also provides for the needs of the County Sheriff's Department with support space, separate juvenile and women's holding areas, secure interview rooms, prisoner transport elevators, a basement level vehicle sally port, and secure underground parking for 23 vehicles. Security systems include special building protection techniques, lighting, cameras, screening for explosives and weapons, duress alarms, and systems for video monitoring/recording.