The Yellow Medicine Justice Center evolved from a space needs assessment that evaluated the condition of the county’s justice-related facilities and explored the best approach to expanding the courthouse. The new facility, built on the existing site of the demolished courthouse, clusters sheriff, police, county attorney, and court spaces while improving secure circulation of the public, staff, inmate, and jury members. The visible public entrance gives clear wayfinding measures so that the functional flow of the building is highly intuitive. The design of the courtrooms is respectful to the offices they serve, and each courtroom has conferencing and support spaces near at hand for the privacy of staff and clients.
The design honors the community of Yellow Medicine County by highlighting an existing Veterans’ memorial embossed with hundreds of names of local war heroes. The shape of the county adorns the exterior, distinct and proud.