City of Columbus

City, County Exploring Location for New Municipal Court Building

The City of Columbus and the Franklin County Board of Commissioners announced they are exploring the feasibility of constructing a new municipal courthouse at the southeast corner of South High Street and East Mound Street, between Mound and East Fulton Street. The location is the current site of Dorrian Commons Park and the James A. Karnes Building, across from the existing municipal court.

“The Franklin County Municipal Court has one of the largest dockets in the state and needs the space to best serve the people of the County,” said Franklin County Municipal Court Judge Ted Barrows. “The City and County have been working collaboratively to find the best solution.”

Franklin County and the City are also discussing preliminary concepts and initial cost estimates as well as how to best connect the new municipal court to the adjacent Franklin County Courthouse and other nearby county and municipal government offices.

“We are interested in working with the city to find solutions that will keep our courts in one campus area, while satisfying the growing needs of both the city and county, “ said John O’Grady, president of the Board of Commissioners. “However, achieving that goal must also be done in a fiscally responsible way that limits disruptions for the public.”

The southwest corner of South High and West Main Street was previously considered a potential site for the new municipal court, but Franklin County intends to retain the site for future development. Both sites are owned and controlled by Franklin County as is the current municipal court building. City lease payments cover the debt issued to construct the existing courthouse which opened in 1979. Previous estimates to renovate and modernize the building were in excess of $90 million dollars. When considering temporary relocation costs, disruption to daily court operations, and future growth, city and county officials determined constructing a new courthouse most prudent.

“Last May, Columbus voters approved $130 million for the courthouse as part of a $1.03 billion voted bond package. These funds are expected to cover much of the cost associated with construction,” said Joe Lombardi, Director of Finance and Management for the City of Columbus.

Pending the completion of preliminary space planning and concepts, details of any potential land sale or property exchange will be negotiated, and an RFP for design will be issued by the City. A timeline for construction of the courthouse could begin as soon as 2022.

Current occupants of the Karnes Building would likely move to other county office space, and the County will likely redevelop the existing courthouse for other use, though no final decisions have been made. Construction of the new courthouse at this location would allow Municipal Court operations to continue at the current location within minimal disruption.

Franklin County intends to name the recently remodeled county Judicial Services Building at 369 S. High St. in honor of former County Commissioner Michael J. Dorrian, and the new county corrections facility at 2551 Fisher Rd. will be named for former County Sheriff James A. Karnes.