Board asks architect to assess historic courthouse space for 2B District Court relocation

Commissioners directed staff to have the architect who prepared plans for 25 Ker Drive study whether the former treasurer's office in the historic Hillsdale County courthouse can be converted to a district courtroom as part of the county’s effort to relocate 2B District Court. The motion was made after an extended exchange about available alternatives, costs and the October 2028 deadline for relocation.

David (commissioner and facilities committee chair) summarized the problem: multiple concepts and three outside properties had been considered and rejected, and the budget committee had asked for lower-cost options but without naming specific alternatives. "We need to start moving certain offices," he said, urging a concrete plan rather than continued conceptual discussion.

Commissioners and staff discussed options including using space at 25 Ker Drive for administrative staff, reconfiguring courtroom space in the historic courthouse, building a smaller court building in the courthouse parking lot, or moving selected staff (probate, prosecutor, clerk) to other county properties. They also emphasized that any courtroom plan requires an architect experienced with court spaces to evaluate structural and security requirements, such as defendant/attorney consultation rooms and bailiff sightlines.

The board authorized using available funds previously allocated for the 25 Ker Drive work to pay the architect to examine whether the former treasurer’s office could accommodate a courtroom and to return findings as a practical next step. If the space is viable, the county will use that assessment to plan relocations of other offices and to identify any additional construction costs.