The new San Bernardino Justice Center was dedicated today after seven years of planning, design and construction.
The justice center, located at 247 West Third Street in San Bernardino, has 35 courtrooms and two hearing rooms, and will consolidate operations from several overcrowded and functionally inadequate facilities.
The new 11-story structure occupies a 7-acre site donated by the City of San Bernardino, directly across from the historic courthouse, which will continue to be used for family law proceedings. The modern facility will better serve the needs of the county’s growing population. It will also provide improved seismic safety and security operations, with a secure sallyport for transportation of in-custody detainees, and will be fully accessible to people with disabilities.
Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP and built by Rudolph and Sletten, the new justice center hosts a spacious entrance lobby that allows for ample daylight while limiting heat gain. A multi-story
atrium connects the administrative, three-story base with the 11-story tower where courtrooms and
judicial offices are located. The building’s orientation and façade design help to mitigate the harsh desert environment. Innovative stormwater management strategies and an overall reduction of energy use by 23 percent and domestic water use by 51 percent qualify the project for LEED Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. The new building is designed to be ADA compliant.
The court is expected to be open for business on May 12, 2014.