The Berkeley County Judicial Center design is an adaptive reuse of the Berkeley Building—a 1920s woolen mill—as a new judicial center. We enhanced the building’s stature and identity as a judicial facility by using appropriate materials and civic vocabulary. Our design celebrates the original woolen mill by emphasizing its form and materials with a contrasting new glass entrance. This approach enhanced the center’s presence as a judicial facility while maintaining the local character and scale of the city of Martinsburg.
The 122,600-square foot judicial center houses nine courtrooms and seven hearing rooms for the circuit, magistrate and family courts; clerks of the circuit and magistrate courts; prosecuting attorneys; probation staff; the central holding facility; and court support.
Flexibility was one of the keystones for establishing and maintaining long-term viability for the judicial center. The entire judicial system was consolidated under one roof, making it easier to share spaces. For example, unoccupied jury deliberation rooms can be used as ancillary conference or mediation rooms. AECOM identified and prioritized needs to create open, inviting areas with lasting benefits for all users—the public, judges, staff and detainees. We worked closely with the county commission and judges to build consensus around the design and establish an environment of trust, respect and communication.
Awards
- Honor Award for Excellence in Architecture, AIA West Virginia, 2010
- Retrospective of Courthouse Design, National Center for State Courts, 2000-2010
- First Place, Excellence in Construction Award, Cumberland Valley Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, 2007