Courtroom renovation plans in motion

In his 2014 Condition of the Judiciary address, Iowa Chief Justice Mark Cady declared a need for increased courthouse security in light of the attempted shootings that took place at the Madison and Jackson County courthouses that year. Initial statewide efforts included surveying security measures previously taken and providing training on building security.

Since that time, Andy Yackle, building and grounds director at the Wright County Courthouse, has taken steps to improve the design of the courtroom for security and at the same time update the look of the room—“bringing it back from the sins of the 1970s,” he said. To some extent, the two aspects are hard to separate.

Several structural changes will provide security through control: limiting public entrances to one door at the back of the room; walling off part of the current lobby to close off the jury entrance and judge chambers from the public; and moving the jury box to the other side of the room, where it will be walled off so that both the judge and jury will enter from behind it. Building safety doesn’t only deal with outside threats, however. Current wiring and air conditioning in the building dates back to the 70s. “That stuff just has to be done within 40 years,” Yackle said. Opening up the walls opens up the possibility of new plaster, paint, and an updated look.

The historical updates which will help bring the courtroom back to its stately 1892 roots will include removing the current drop ceiling and restoring the old tin ceiling, which will take the room from about 16 feet tall to 30 feet.

For the full story, see the December 15 edition of the Monitor.