Dearborn County Courthouse Expansion

DLZ was initially selected to perform Program/Space Analysis verification and related professional architectural and engineering Schematic Design services for the Historic 1871 Dearborn County Courthouse Expansion project.

The Program/Space Analysis verification confirmed the findings of an earlier 2004 analysis performed by others. The Dearborn County Courthouse and adjacent County Administration Building no longer provide adequate square footage for the various county offices. Several operational safety concerns were identified. DLZ developed a Schematic Design to address program and operational deficiencies.

DLZ was then authorized to commence professional architectural and engineering services to implement the proposed design through the Bidding and Construction Administration Phase. The design consists of an approximate 40,000 square foot building expansion situated between the existing historic courthouse and an existing post-modern county administration building. Limestone veneer was selected and carefully detailed to compliment and replicate the existing historic courthouse.

New program spaces consist of two Superior Courts with associated Court Administration, Prosecutor’s Suite, Large Meeting Room, Public Entry Security Post/Screening, and an unfinished basement to accommodate existing topography and future growth. The existing historic courthouse also received select areas of significant renovation to accommodate the new expansion.