Henry County’s population growth resulted in a need to increase the judicial center’s space by almost 350% while retaining its presence on a 1.2-acre parcel of land in the heart of downtown New Castle.
To maintain features of the building’s heritage within the new facility, JRA preserved the original jailhouse façade and visibly integrated it into the space by exposing its exterior walls within the courtroom.
To create a more sustainable, eco-friendly space, we reworked all electrical and mechanical functions with dedicated controls set to occupancy sensors and schedules, installed insulated glass systems, and reconfigured the insulation and ventilation for better performance.
To ensure public safety and the separation of prisoners and citizens of the community, we reorganized the first floor to include a secure building-entrance screening station, new Court Designated Worker and Drug Court office suites, and a bailiff monitoring station.