New Will County courthouse moving into planning stage

BY SUSAN DEMAR LAFFERTY slafferty@southtownstar.com May 19, 2014 7:24PM

Updated: May 19, 2014 8:48PM

Planning for Will Countys new judicial complex could begin this summer if the county board approves the scope of services outlined by Darien-based architectural firm Wight & Co.

In a meeting of the ad hoc courthouse committee on Monday, Jason Dwyer, Wights project executive, said the firms preliminary design work would include population projections, visits to other courthouses, meetings with those who use the facility, cost estimates and a concept plan.

Wights plan of action is to be discussed at the June 3 capital improvements committee meeting before going to the full board June 19.

Chief Judge Richard Schoenstedt said presiding judges are eager to start and ready to cooperate.

To him, the most important aspect is to have the most technologically current courthouse possible, he said.

Dwyer said the planning process will incorporate technology and security, as well as overall efficiency and flexibility of operations.

The judicial complex will house judges, and departments including court clerk, states attorney, public defender, jury commission, sheriffs department, court administration, court reporters and probation.

Dwyer said he plans to meet with all these groups to determine how they interact and how much space they need. If Wights plan is approved in June, he said he would like to begin meeting with staff right away.

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New Will County courthouse moving into planning stage