Three versions of a proposed justice center design have been released and Douglas County is seeking feedback from residents.
Three versions of an exterior design for a new Justice Center have been released and Douglas County residents are being asked which one they like best.
Online voting is open through June 21 and picking a version.
The construction of the new Justice Center is expected to begin in Spring 2025, with an estimated completion date of summer 2026.
While most of the approvals and financing are in place, design of the building’s exterior has been a sticking point with Minden Town Board members rejecting an initial presentation earlier this year.
“The current Judicial Law Enforcement Building, built in 1980, has served us for 44 years,” said County Manager Jenifer Davidson. “The new center will be built not just for today's community, but for future generations.”
The county is inviting residents to participate by helping to choose one of the three renderings prepared by TSK Architects.
“We invite the public to review each design and help us create an exterior that reflects the unique culture and heritage of Douglas County,” Davidson said. “Your input is vital and will be considered by the Board of County Commissioners.”
TSK Architects have also designed the 2015 Lander County Courthouse and the Douglas County Community and Senior Center.
“Each of the exterior design options feature visual references to the iconic historic courthouse steps; physically separated from the building but functionally incorporated into the design as a public seating area,” according to the architects.
The three designs are:
Design No. 1
Locally Referenced exterior Design: This design draws inspiration from the Western Classical Revival style of the historic Frederick J. DeLongchamps' 1915 Douglas County Courthouse. It aims to emulate the visual language and character that DeLongchamps' buildings brought to the town of Minden, extending this historical language into the future. Along with the Historic Courthouse design, local inspirations for the design materials included references from the Minden Inn, Bently Farmers Bank Building, and the Minden Mercantile.
Design No. 2
Neo-Classical exterior Design: This design references the American historical view of courthouses, employing classical design principles to evoke the idea of courthouses as temples of justice. Local inspirations for the design included refences to the Nevada Court of Appeals. Design elements include glass fiber reinforced gypsum columns and a foam cornice.
Design No. 3
Modern Interpretation exterior Design: This design offers a modern adaptation of historical courthouse architecture, retaining the general visual image of classical architecture while embracing modernism’s sleek, clean lines and eliminating purely decorative ornamentation. Local inspirations for this design included references to the Nevada Supreme Court. Design elements include a pointed entry, and plaster fascia.
The project is expected to cost up to $51 million, with $37 million of that coming from a bond supported by sales tax. The other $14 million will come from medium term bonds from the county’s capital projects fund.
The county has been looking for a means to build a new courthouse for the better part of a decade. The two district courts and one justice court are currently housed in the 42-year-old Judicial & Law Enforcement Center. There is an additional justice court located at the Stateline Administrative Center.
The bonding to build the center can’t increase the property tax rate, since that’s already at the state cap of $3.64 per $100 assessed valuation.
The county purchased property north of Buckeye Road near where the Minden Maintenance Yard is located. The new center will also be very near the intersection of Buckeye Road and the future Muller Lane Parkway.
