Klein McCarthy Architects provided courts expertise from the initial space Needs Study and programming through design and construction for the Blue Earth County Justice Center in Mankato, MN. The facility provides four courtrooms, a hearing room, chamber space and jury assembly areas with applicable support services.
Integration of the jail facility, law enforcement, and courts facilities improves safety and security for inmate transfer between the jail and courtrooms, as well as safety for staff and the public. A corridor connects the back of the holding cells to a secure elevator leading to the courtroom. This method addresses the site and sound separation requirements while allowing dual use of the Intake/Release holding cells.
Blue Earth County Justice Center is the first public facility in southern MN to receive U.S. Green Building Council LEED Silver Certification. Natural lighting, energy efficiency and the use of local materials were a few factors that contributed towards this achievement.
Copyright © 2020 Klein McCarthy Architects : Government & Justice Architecture - All Rights Reserved.