CROOK COUNTY JUSTICE CENTER

A Balance Between Traditional and Contemporary

Crook County has experienced steady growth for decades. To continue to provide public safety services to the community and reduce court delays, the County is planning for a new, all-encompassing Justice Center to replace the aging 1909 historic courthouse. The new building will house three courtrooms, supporting spaces, offices for the District Attorney, Victim’s Advocate, and the Juvenile Department, along with space for the Sherriff’s Department.

Efficient and safe court functions are the main priorities. Through multiple County and stakeholder meetings, the design team crafted an ideal layout for the three-story building that allows each department to work together effectively. In addition, mapping the user’s journey helped focus on the safe and fair administration of justice, from the building design to the materials used throughout.

The design finds a balance between traditional and contemporary and monumental and human scale. The design complements the historic Crook County Court-house without replicating the vernacular. Historical references include the cornice capping the roof and the east-facing waterfall stepped entrances. The primary facade materials are stone and concrete, durable and give the building a judicial feeling. Similar materiality from the exterior is brought inside for a cohesive design when you enter the building. The courtrooms focus on safety and comfort. Natural barriers, acoustic elements, state-of-the-art lighting, and efficient case-work organization create functional and durable spaces while evoking a civic presence.

“The Pinnacle+KMB team was the perfect partnership for our project. The personalized, local service from Pinnacle paired with KMB’s national Justice Center experts resulted in a project that works in our community today and well into the future. The process was seamless between the two firms, and I always knew who to call with questions.” — Brian Barney, Crook County Commissioner

The Pinnacle + KMB Architects team conducted programming, site planning, and concept design. The team then prepared Schematic Design and presentation documents for the County to secure a bond for the project. The bond passed in November 2021, and the team is moving forward with the design.