Bucks County Capital Projects
Bucks County Justice Center
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 in cramped quarters 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, building the new parking garage was granted at that meeting. The next two phases will include demolition of the existing parking garage, and finally, construction of the Justice Center on the site of the existing garage. 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.”
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 and will soon feature a live Web cam of the construction. You may also sign up on our Web site for e-alerts to 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
Special Justice Center Newsletters
September 2009 edition
January 2009 edition
Phase 1: Parking Garage
The new garage will feature 1,200 spaces, three elevator towers, three entrances, and a planned security office. The county has kept its commitment to partnering with the borough to ensure an aesthetically pleasing yet functional design.
Ground was broken in December on the garage site, with construction soon to follow.
Justice Center Construction Web Cam
November 17, 2009 -- Prefabricated concrete installation
June 1, 2009 -- Construction Progress
April 14, 2009 -- Ongoing Construction (Click images for larger views)
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"
Clearing:
Click images for larger views
Demolition:
Click images for larger views