Morgan County officials, joined by Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith, Sen. President Pro Tempore Rod Bray and State Treasurer Daniel Elliott, cut the ribbon on a new $46 million judicial building in downtown Martinsville.
The building, the cornerstone of the larger $72 million Judicial Campus development, has been under construction since May 2023. It replaces the 30,000 square-foot, 1857 Morgan County Courthouse, which will be renovated for use by county administrative staff.
“This is one of the most significant days in Morgan County’s history,” Morgan County Commissioner Bryan Collier said. “Replacing or repairing our Courthouse has been discussed for more than 50 years. Today we’re proud to unveil our state-of-the-art building for the courts system and begin work to preserve and upgrade our iconic Courthouse for generations to come.”
The new building, an addition to the Morgan County Administration Building that opened more than 30 years ago, features 71,800 square feet over three floors. It includes 21 restrooms and two parking lots with 202 parking spaces.
The project procurement included GM Development, DLZ Architects and Engineers, and Meyer Najem as the Construction Manager.
Morgan County Courts
The new building includes six completely secure courtrooms -- one Circuit Court, three Superior Courts and two Hearing Courts. Each courtroom has a separate entrance for court defendants, secure jury spaces, a judge’s room, private restrooms and clerical work areas. State-of-the-art software will be used for recording court proceedings, displaying evidence and facilitating jury trials. Audio assist technology is available during court sessions for those who are hearing impaired and digital boards outside the courtrooms will assist with wayfinding and provide an updated schedule for each court.
Unlike the previous Courthouse, the Judicial Building has room for all court employees, including those in the prosecutor and probation offices who currently work in various offices throughout Martinsville.
Existing Morgan County Courthouse
After employees move into the new Judicial Building this month, the existing Morgan County Courthouse will be rehabilitated for use by County employees currently working in the Administration Building.
“One of the most important decisions we commissioners and County Council have made is to preserve and rehabilitate the Courthouse,” Collier added. “The nearly 150-year-old building is a quintessential symbol of Morgan County, and it was clear that preserving and repurposing it best served Morgan County residents.”
Approximately $23 million in enhancements to the Courthouse include replacing all exterior windows, the roof, the elevator, the plumbing and the heating system. They also include safety and security upgrades, making the building Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant, and a 5,000-square foot addition for accessible public restrooms.
Exterior bricks will be repaired and/or replaced to preserve the historic facade. Street, sidewalk and parking spot closures in the Courthouse Square will begin in late July and be complete by fall this year. Renovations to the existing Courthouse are expected to last until late 2026.
