Ribbons were cut and shovels dug in on Tuesday to announce the construction of a new Santa Clara Family Justice Center courthouse, the first new courthouse in the state totally devoted to family law.
The court’s new building at 201 N. First Street in San Jose will consolidate all family law operations and related services, which are now far flung in six obsolete facilities throughout the city, into a single centrally located building.
Court spokesman Joe Macaluso said this will "significantly" improve access and service to the public.
The new eight-story building will include 20 courtrooms within 233,906 square feet. Macaluso said the facility will feature significant improvements in security, with separate hallways for the public, staff, and in-custody defendants, as well as better safety, and improved access and efficiency for visitors.
He said the courthouse is designed to create a calming and stress-reducing environment, and be friendly to families and children.
The project is expected to be completed in 2015 and cost $240.7 million. The funds come from state and court funds, along with proceeds from the sale of a vacated courthouse.
The building is designed by Zimmer Gunsul Frasca and will be constructed by Hensel Phelps Construction.
