Bucks County Capital Projects
Bucks County Justice Center
Special Justice Center Newsletters |
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Why do we need a new Justice Center complex?
Several issues have necessitated a new Bucks County Justice Center. When the existing courthouse was constructed, Bucks County had 310,000 residents and four judges. Today, there are 625,000 residents and 13 judges. Since 2005, the number of criminal cases has grown more than 18 percent. In addition, Domestic Relations’ caseload – conducted at 30 N. Main St – has led to overcrowding in that facility. The new facility will also provide for improved security measures.
Project Background
In July 2008, Doylestown Borough Council passed four ordinances that permitted the Bucks County Justice Center project to move forward. Final plan approval for phase one, the building of the new parking garage (which was completed in June, 2010) was granted at that meeting. Phase two, demolition of the previous County parking garage is complete and phase three includes construction of the new Justice Center on those grounds. In November 2008, by a 2-1 vote (with Commissioners Charles H. Martin and Jim Cawley voting affirmatively, and Diane M. Ellis-Marseglia casting a nay vote), the Bucks County Commissioners approved a $6.57 million contract with design firm Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum (HOK) to provide architectural services for the new Justice Center. The architectural contract represented a savings of approximately $5.5 million from a March 2008 proposed contract. Commissioner Chairman Charley Martin said about the contract, “The desire was to continue, but not at any cost.”
On January 13, 2011, the Bucks County Commissioners voted, two-to-one, to award six contracts for the upcoming $84 million Justice Center project. For more information, please see, "By 2-1 Vote, Commissioners Approve Six Contracts Totaling $84 Million for New Justice Center."
How will the county keep me informed during the project?
The county is committed to keeping all county residents informed throughout the duration of this capital improvement project, the county’s largest-ever. This page has been created to provide up-to-date information including a live Web cam of the construction. You may also sign up on our Web site for BC Connection, Your Bridge to Bucks Newsletterto receive information when any new information is updated. Bucks County’s Director of Operations Jerry Anderson has met with homeowners and local businesses to discuss construction. He encourages anyone with questions or concerns to call the General Services Division at 215-345-3949.
Phase 1: Parking Garage
Phase 2: Demolition of existing parking garage
Phase 3: Building of the new courthouse
Phase 3: Justice Center
Justice Center Construction Web Cam
February 2012 - Structural Steel Work (Click images for larger views)
November 2011 - Early Foundation Work (Click images for larger views)
September 2011 - Site Work (Click images for larger views)
July 2011 - Site Work & Armory Demolition
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July 19, 2011 - Groundbreaking Cermony
Bucks County Commissioners joined President Judge Susan D. Scott, county judges and administrators, contractors and local, state and federal elected officials to break ground for the $84 million Bucks County Justice Center. For more information, go to "Commissioners, President Judge Join Doylestown Borough Officials to Break Ground for New Justice Center"
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Groundbreaking Ceremony Audio
June 2011- Construction Update
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Renderings
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Floor Plans
Stacking Diagram
The Bucks County commissioners hosted a public forum on February 18, 2010, where Duncan Lyons, architect from HOK, presented proposed plans for the new justice center. Also on hand was Jerry Anderson, director of operations who is overseeing the project. About 75 attendees viewed the plans and had an opportunity to pose questions to Anderson, Lyons, and other officials, including Commissioners Charles H. Martin, chairman, and Jim Cawley, as well as President Judge Susan Scott. To hear a full audio account of the public forum, click here.
Phase 2: Demolition of existing parking garage
December 2010 -- Ongoing Demolition
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November 2010 -- Continuing Demolition
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September 2010 -- Demolition
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Phase 1: Parking Garage
The new garage features 1,200 spaces, three elevator towers, three entrances, and a security office. The county kept its commitment to partnering with the borough to ensure an aesthetically pleasing yet functional design.
June 30, 2010 -- Ribbon Cutting
Phase One of the Bucks County Judicial Center construction project reached a sun-splashed conclusion this morning as Commissioner Chairman Charles H. Martin and Commissioner James F. Cawley, Esq. joined President Judge Susan D. Scott, Doylestown Borough officials and project contractors to cut the ribbon on the new Judicial Center Parking Garage. The 1,200-space, four-level facility is located between Union and Doyle streets, adjacent to Broad St. The $22-million garage required 18 months to complete, with the project coming in “on time, under budget, and with less than one-percent change orders,” in the words of Chairman Martin. (See more at: “A Symbol of Commitment” -- Commissioners Join President Judge to Cut Ribbon on 1,200-Space Judicial Center Parking Garage in Doylestown Borough)
Parking Garage Fact Sheet
Ribbon Cutting Audio
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January 10, 2010 -- Ongoing Installation
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November 17, 2009 -- Prefabricated Concrete Installation
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June 1, 2009 -- Construction Progress
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April 14, 2009 -- Ongoing Construction
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February 9, 2009 -- Early Construction
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Groundbreaking December 22, 2008
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For more information, go to "Bucks County Commissioners, President Judge Break Ground on 1,200-Space Parking Garage: Frigid Kickoff to Phase I of Justice Center Project in Doylestown Borough"
Demolition and Clearing:
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