Bay County Juvenile Justice Courthouse

In 2020, JRA Architects was honored to be selected by the Bay County Board of County Commissioners to design the new Bay County Juvenile Justice Courthouse, a significant expansion to the County’s judicial infrastructure. This 28,000-square-foot, two-story facility is purpose-built to serve the unique needs of juvenile justice proceedings while maintaining architectural continuity with the historic Bay County Courthouse campus.

Strategically located adjacent to the existing courthouse, the new building enhances operational efficiency and creates a cohesive civic complex. The ground floor of the facility features two large courtrooms designed to accommodate juvenile cases, along with a dedicated family mediation and hearing room, offering a more private, supportive environment for sensitive proceedings. These spaces are designed with security, acoustics, and user comfort in mind, ensuring an environment that is both dignified and functional.

The second floor houses judges’ chambers and the full complement of judicial support staff, with administrative offices, meeting areas, and secure circulation zones carefully planned to streamline workflow and maintain the safety and confidentiality required for court operations.

Architecturally, the building was designed to complement the historic Bay County Courthouse. It features gabled roofs, symmetrical massing, and classical columns, presenting a timeless civic aesthetic that respects the judicial system's traditions while incorporating modern construction standards. The material palette and scale were selected to blend seamlessly with the existing courthouse, creating a unified government complex.

As part of the site development, JRA's design also facilitated the closure of McKenzie Avenue, enabling a more secure and pedestrian-friendly judicial campus. The project included the addition of over 150 new parking spaces, a secure, dedicated parking area for judges, and the design of a new freestanding classical entry façade that enhances security while establishing a distinguished and welcoming entrance for court users.

This project underscores JRA’s expertise in judicial and civic architecture, blending functional design, security, and architectural heritage to deliver a lasting public facility that supports both the justice system and the broader community.