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Judicial Center nears completion Melodie Phelps News Editor Wayne Countyıs new Judicial Center is nearing completion, and moving day has been set, according to Circuit Clerk Richard Morrow. Morrow anticipates that his office will be moving into the new facility during the week of March 7, and opening day has been set for March 14. During a recent tour of the building, Morrow noted that it is very rewarding to see this project near completion. He has served on the committee that has guided this project since 2001. ³Weıve seen it come a long way since we first started coming over here,² said Morrow. ³I can see the complete project now.² The outside work is very near being finished. The only tasks left outside the building is some blacktopping and all of the landscaping. Inside, there are several tasks to be completed. Upon entering the building through the front entrance, which faces Columbia Avenue, it is easy to see how security has figured into the design. There is a security desk located just inside the doors, which will be manned by officers. There will also be metal detectors in place, so that anyone who enters the Judicial Center will have to walk through them. The lobby just beyond the security desks includes benches as well as restrooms that are designated for the public. This area also includes the elevators and stairs that will be used by the public. The first level of the building, includes office space for the Circuit Clerk, and areas for the specific tasks that he and his staff are responsible for. The Circuit Clerkıs Office will include a law library, a drivers license testing room, an area where drivers license photos will be made, Morrowıs office, a bookkeeping area, and a work area with four different work stations. The atmosphere will be much different than at the current courthouse. Secure doors will keep employees and the public separate. There are four counters, where the public can conduct business. There is also a counter and a window located near the District Courtroom, where anyone leaving court can stop and pay fines or fees. The Circuit Clerkıs Office also includes two storage areas, an evidence room, as well as a new shelving area, where files will be kept. Morrow noted that moving files will be the biggest task he and his staff will face. He has more than 50 filing cabinets filled with files that have to be relocated. The first level of the facility includes a District Courtroom, as well as various offices related to district court. Two rooms near the entrance of the courtroom will be utilized by attorneys meeting with their clients. A sallyport entrance, similar to that at the Wayne County Detention Center, will be used to transport prisoners into the facility for court appearances. There are five holding cells on the first floor, where prisoners can be kept until they appear in court. Morrow noted that an elevator in this area of the building will be used only for transporting prisoners to the second floor. The second floor includes a Circuit Courtroom, which is designed exactly like the District Courtroom. It also includes two areas where attorneys can meet with clients. There are several small holding cells on this level as well. The lobby of the second level also includes benches, as well as an area that includes vending machines. There is also a designated smoking area on the second floor. The second floor includes various offices related to Circuit Court and a Grand Jury room, which will also be used by Family Court Staff will enter the facility at secure entrances near the back of the building and will utilize elevators and stairs that are not open for public use. Add a comment |
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