Crook County Justice Center

Crook County has experienced steady growth for decades. To continue providing public safety services to the community and reduce court delays, the County plans 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, and space for the Sheriff’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, allowing 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 balances traditional, contemporary, 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 Historical references include the cornice capping the roof, and the east-facing waterfall stepped entrances.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, which are durable and give the building a judicial feeling. When you enter the building, similar materials from the exterior are brought inside for a cohesive design. 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