After many meetings and years of planning, the Monroe County courthouse expansion is moving along.

Commissioners broke ground to start the construction the first phase on June 17.

“It’s tired. It has outlived its usefulness lifetime. We’d be spending millions in upgrading it. What this does is move the courtrooms out of that building and then allows us to put offices spaces in it,” said Commissioner John D. Christy.

Phase 1A

The plan is to develop the project in stages, according to Commissioner Christy. Phase 1A will construct a new three-story, 66,000 square-foot expansion that will include an entry lobby and the needed courtrooms and judges chambers.

Also, support areas with service and secure vehicle access and renovations to the first floor of the courthouse annex will be part of this stage.

Phase 1B

This phase will include a new three-story expansion that creates six new state-of-the-art courtrooms. Level three will also see renovations during this phase.

The plans are to redevelop the existing outdoor plaza, make it more accessible and create a usable public space while creating a new entry door for the courthouse.

Phase 2

Completing the interior renovations to the courthouse annex will occur, along with the interior restoration of the historic courthouse, including the 1893 and 1930s courtrooms, library, and public staircase.

Removal of retaining walls and sidewalks on the east side will restore the Courthouse to its original appearance.

Safety measures in the new courthouse include dedicated secure spaces that allow for detainee holding and loading and on loading.

Modern security screening will be installed in the lobby for staff and visitors, protecting employees at the transaction counters, office spaces, courtrooms, hearing rooms, and other support spaces. The current security screening does not offer these safety options.

“This is critical. When I took office almost 10 years ago, it was on the middle burner. It went to the back burner for a while, and it’s been on the front burner for at least the past five years,” said John R. Moyer, vice chairman, Monroe County Commissioner.