After less than two years of construction, Pulaski County’s $5.5 million renovation project of the Justice Center is nearly complete and is expected to come in under budget. Pulaski County Community Development Commission Executive Director Nathan Origer said that the majority of the project work was finished in May 2022. Although departments moved back into the building in July 2022, there still remains a few minor wrap up items and fixes.
“We replaced some of the existing flat roofs on the original structure and made some minor structural improvements within the jail to provide support for new second-story space,” Origer said. “A significant investment in new mechanicals included the HVAC and plumbing to support the addition, as well as some IT upgrades for the circuit court. As a last-minute add-on, we also are replacing the original carpet in the superior courtroom.”
Pulaski County’s Justice Center was built in the late 1990s to house the sheriff’s office, including the jail and dispatch, superior court office suite and courtroom, probation office and the prosecutor’s office, according to Origer. The addition includes a new office suite for the prosecutor’s office, a new courtroom for the circuit court, new office-suite and ancillary space for the circuit court, as well as remodeled office space formerly occupied by the prosecutor’s office, a new office for Pulaski County CASA and a new entry with security.
“It’s worth noting that this renovation project improved overall safety/security by eliminating the need for jailers to transfer inmates outdoors and across the street to the old circuit court, which was one of the two key driving factors behind the project along with the comprehensive rehabilitation of the courthouse,” Origer said.
Project mobilization and site work began in July 2021, first-floor interior demolition for structural support began mid-fall, and second-floor interior demolition for renovation began in late fall. The project was substantially complete in May 2022, with departments moving (back) in beginning in July 2022. Total completion is anticipated by the end of May 2023.
As county coordinator of the project, Origer said he is grateful that it is almost finished. While the original circuit courtroom had wonderful, vintage woodwork and wooden furniture and fixtures, the carpeting and wall treatments were dated, plaster was falling, and spectator and jury chairs needed replacement. The court offices were ‘a bit of a labyrinth’ wrapping about half of the building.
“In contrast, the new courtroom is clean, bright and fresh, and in a building with full-time security; the offices, though still spacious, are better organized,” Origer said. “I’m thrilled to have this and all that it does for the county wrapped up.”
While the Justice Center project is for the most part complete, Origer said there is still more to do to bring the courthouse up to current codes and standards. Courthouse offices, with the exception of circuit court, would need to be temporarily moved during renovations to overhaul the heating and cooling system, and changes to the restrooms and building entrances. However, during construction, the entrances could not be American Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible at all times. This portion of the project is in need of a resolution to office displacement during construction.
“Having learned countless lessons about overseeing a construction project and working with the design and construction teams on this job, I’m looking forward to taking on the courthouse project,” Origer said.
For more on the Pulaski County Justice Center addition and Courthouse renovation projects, visit http://gov.pulaskionline.org/courthouse-justice-center-project/.
