Robertson County Justice Center • Mt. Olivet, Kentucky
Established in 1867, Robertson County has a population of approximately 2,200 and is one of Kentucky’s smallest counties in area of about 100 square miles. For the historic Robertson County Judicial Center in Mt. Olivet, Kentucky, the design goal was for the existing twostory courthouse with a footprint of 3,800 square feet, remain as the focal point of the site after designing and constructing an addition that is nearly three times larger at 11,000 square feet. The existing courthouse’s steeply sloped site and structural renovation needs created unique challenges. The solution was to build a onestory addition lowering the point of connection to the existing two-story structure, and using the volume of the new courtroom to balance the overall main elevation. In the new addition, a 69-seat courtroom, judges’ chambers, and Circuit Court Clerk offices were provided, along with specialized areas for jury deliberation, defendant holding, security, and courtdesignated workers. For the historic building, structural stabilization of the main wooden roof girders was necessary, as well as repair/replacement of the copper roof/gutters. Complete renovation of the existing historic courtroom was also required.
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