Freeborn County Government Center

Location: Albert Lea, MN
Total Square Footage: 112,000 sq ft
Construction Cost: $21.8 Million
Completion Date: 2004

The second floor of the new Freeborn County Government Center provides three new courtrooms, county attorney offices, court administration, court services offices and a secured holding cell core between the two district courtrooms. The design provides a complex separated by a three-part security pathway system for public, staff and prisoners. Connecting the courts level to the first floor entry level is a three story atrium lobby and adjoining open stair that anchors the first and second floor public concourses with the entries and service counter areas.

The courtroom design is focused on providing enhanced security and function for the County. A sound lock vestibule, which is flanked by two attorney/client conference rooms, is located at the entry to each courtroom. Accessibility to a secured corridor is provided at the back of each courtroom for judges, courts staff and jurors. Technology has been seamlessly implemented into the design of the judge’s bench allowing for control of all audio/visual equipment from a central point. The front of the room becomes the focal point as it is anchored by an arched backdrop that makes subtle reference to the exterior of the historic 1888 courthouse.