Judicial Center Expansion Nearing Completion, Set To Open In August

May 30, 2019

The exterior of the Judicial Center expansion is nearly complete, with the building only lacking some of the lower story front windows. Inside, crews are busy painting, hanging doors and installing lighting for the new building.

A large hallway is the main feature of the upstairs portion of the expansion. “I just love this wide hallway. Before all of this, people upstairs were almost shoulder to shoulder,” said Mark Maples, Stone County Presiding Commissioner.

One of the downstairs courtrooms is nearing completion. The grey material on the bench walls in the foreground of the photo is bullet resistant. The same material is used in several secure areas throughout the Judicial Center, including the front entrance.

The exposed brickwork in the future offices of the Public Administrator shows where the old building ends and the new expansion begins. The Public Administrator and offices of the Circuit Clerk are being expanded to allow for more storage and working space. Commissioner Maples says the expansion is on budget and on schedule.

These benches will provide a seating area under the large staircase leading upstairs. The general public will enter the building through the front on one side and exit on another. The entryway is designed to increase the effectiveness of the screening area. Judges and other sensitive personnel will have a separate secure entrance.

A nearly finished downstairs courtroom

Another courtroom, this one upstairs.

Looking into the circuit clerk's offices, which will also include offices for the judges

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