Jefferson County Bessemer Justice Center
The Jefferson County Bessemer Justice Center is a new 153,000 square foot building for the Jefferson County Courthouse facilities in Bessemer. It replaced the former Jefferson County Courthouse Bessemer Division.
Construction of the $38 million building began on the downtown block between 18th and 19th Streets at 2nd Avenue on April 10, 2007 and was completed in the Spring of 2009. It was designed by Giattina Aycock Architecture Studio and features a long wall of insulated security glass to visually reinforce the notion of "transparent justice". The lower facade is clad in Alabama limestone and the plaza and lobby are paved with Sardinian granite. The one-story entrance plaza features a green roof, visible from the adjacent stairways. Rainwater from the main roof is collected in a 20,000 gallon underground cistern for irrigation. Courtrooms are paneled in native White oak. It is linked to the adjacent Jefferson County Jail Bessemer Division.
The ground floor of the courthouse houses a jury assembly room, offices of the district attorney and district and circuit clerks, and UAB's Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities program. District court is held on the second floor, and circuit court on the third. A 110,000 square-foot three-story parking deck is located behind the courthouse with space for 350 cars. The existing Bessemer Courthouse was renovated for use by Jefferson County Family Court and for offices.
In 2005, at the suggestion of Larry Langford, The Jefferson County Commission voted to name the building the Private George Watson Criminal Justice Center in honor of World War II hero George Watson. In 2007 the Commission reversed that decision. The building remains dedicated in Watson's honor.
Construction of the building was completed in October 2009, but, owing to a financial crisis, it was left unopened until June 2010 in order to avoid initiating operational costs.
References
- Gordon, Robert K. (April 11, 2007) "Work begins on $38 million Bessemer courthouse." Birmingham News
- Wright, Barnett (November 28, 2007) "Jefferson commissioners vote to take name of Army hero off Bessemer courthouse." Birmingham News
- Gordon, Robert K. (January 21, 2008) "Construction of new Jefferson County Courthouse in Bessemer on schedule." Birmingham News
- Wright, Barnett (January 13, 2010) "Jefferson County pays $5.3 million for vacant Bessemer Courthouse building." Birmingham News
- Debro, Anita (May 31, 2010) "Bessemer courthouse office occupants to start moving in June 21." Birmingham News
- Spencer, Thomas (July 26, 2010) "New Bessemer Cutoff courthouse opens with sleek look." Birmingham News