Courthouse/Justice Center Project

 
In early 2020, after a half-decade of alternate plans, community conversations, delayed action, and a 2019 study by Rowland Design, of Indianapolis, funded by Indiana Landmarks, the Board of Commissioners1 approved an agreement with Rowland Design to provide architectural-design services for a comprehensive rehabilitation of the historic Pulaski County Courthouse and a partial renovation of and addition to the Pulaski County Justice Center. With an estimated price tag of $7.65-million, the project proposes to

  • improve the courthouse’s structural stability;
  • upgrade HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and telecommunications systems in the courthouse for improved function, comfort, and energy efficiency;
  • upgrade doors and windows in the courthouse for improved energy efficiency, aesthetics, and security;
  • update office layouts for improved office workflow;
  • create new space in the Justice Center to move the Circuit Court from the courthouse;
  • address environmental-health concerns; and
  • centralize as many County offices as possible for improved function and public service.

  View the October 2019 Rowland presentation detailing project-scope options and cost estimates (Option 2A).
 
The Board and County Council2 engaged BakerTilly to provide financial-advisor services relating to the County’s revenue structure, operational revenues, and project financing and Barnes & Thornburg to serve as bond counsel for the project.

The Board of Commissioners adopted Pulaski County Resolution 2020-04 to authorize engaging Rowland Design; to select the Construction Manager as constructor method of project delivery (pursuant to the Indiana Code); and to appoint an evaluation committee to develop and to disseminate a request for proposals (RFP), to evaluate proposals and firms interested in serving as constructor, and to recommend a firm to the Board of Commissioners. To see the committee makeup and to review committee-meeting minutes and the RFP, visit this page.