Courthouse task force finalizes recommendations
The Broward County Courthouse Task Force held its final meeting prior to bringing recommendations to the Broward County Board of County Commissioners for review and discussion on August 4, 2009.
The task force will present its final report, which recommends building a new 17-story, 719,000 square foot courthouse on the site where the judicial parking garage is currently located, just west of the courthouse building. This includes one shell floor of 42,300 square feet as recommended by the Task Force. Based on the consultant’s master plan, this will provide adequate space through the year 2020. Building out the shell space can add eight courtrooms; or four courtrooms and eight hearing rooms; or space for other agencies. If the space is built out for courtrooms, there would be space for 120-124 judicial officers, thus satisfying the space need until 2030.
The task force also plans to ask for an extension of meeting dates in order to monitor the progress of the new courthouse, which has a planned completion date in 2013. The group also hopes to expedite the project’s timetable in order to take advantage of the soft construction market and federal stimulus money.
The current cost estimate for the courthouse; 120 parking spaces; demolition; connection to current East Wing; and landscaping is $273 million.
The group also agreed to take the project to the public with educational presentations that could be featured at various public, business and professional meetings.
Broward County Mayor Stacy Ritter created the task force, with approval from the Broward County Commission, in December 2008. Broward County Commissioner Ilene Lieberman is Chair of the Task Force.
Substantial problems at the current courthouse have resulted in frequent closures and delays.
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