The new South County Justice Center is a nine-courtroom, in-custody-capable courthouse with holding facilities, administrative offices, judicial chambers, waiting areas, public outreach space, and a jury assembly room. Its notable features include a large covered courtyard providing a shaded outdoor gathering area, courtrooms that receive natural light, and a second-floor jury assembly room that looks out over a green roof.
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Project Name
Porterville Courthouse
Size
96,500 GSF
Client
Superior Court of Tulare County
Completion Date
2013
Services
Site Feasibility Study
Programming
Architecture
Interior Design
Location
Porterville, CA
![](https://api.coarchitects.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/COJ002_N335_medium.jpg)
Fronting a main thoroughfare, the building engages the city in which it resides. The courtyard creates a ceremonial space and provides an iconic image for the courthouse.
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Large expanses of glass connect the interior circulation pathways with the courtyard and assist in way finding through the building. It is LEED Silver certified.
![](https://api.coarchitects.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Porterville-Sustainability.jpg)
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Awards
- The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture & Design, 2015 American Architecture Award
- AIA/AAJ Academy of Architecture for Justice, 2015 Citation
"This courthouse, literally and figuratively, is at the center of the community."
Hon. Steven Jahr, Former Administrative Director of the Courts
![](https://api.coarchitects.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/COJ002_N345_medium.jpg)