Construction is underway on a long-anticipated courthouse in Chilton County, Alabama, with Brasfield & Gorrie leading the $32 million design-build project. Located off Alabama Highway 145, the 72,000-sq.-ft. facility will bring all county services under one roof while replacing the outdated courthouse built in the early 1960s.

The new building will feature multiple courtrooms, administrative offices, licensing services, and a double wall system to enhance sound attenuation. In addition to modernizing infrastructure, the design emphasizes accessibility and user convenience.

"The existing courthouse has become a money pit," said Allen Williams, chairman of the Chilton County Commission. "Due to its age, the annual upkeep and repairs have become unreasonable. Added to that are the requirements on the county to provide office space, accommodations and courtrooms for two new circuit judges."

Williams explained that the aging courthouse is not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), making access difficult for many citizens. "Not only will the new courthouse provide ADA compliant access, it will once again house all county government offices, including our VA office," he added. "I'm elated that for the first time in 40 years, our citizens will be able to conduct all county business at one location."

The project—located near Jefferson State Community College—also includes constructing new highway access. Williams shared that momentum for the project built quickly after years of inaction.

"The construction of a new courthouse had been kicked around for years with no action," Williams said. "Shortly after being elected, I arranged interviews with six architectural firms. From those interviews sprang the feet for the building project."

Utilizing a Public Building Authority (PBA) structure with support from the City of Clanton, the county bypassed standard bid requirements in favor of a design-build approach. "We budgeted $32 million," Williams noted. "By utilizing a PBA, we can bypass the bid requirements and utilize a design-build concept. This process will possibly save taxpayers $2 million... It will also cut the build time by as much as six to eight months."

While some residents initially criticized the investment, public sentiment has shifted. "Many taxpayers were initially upset the county was spending this sum of money for a courthouse, instead of using it for road repair," Williams said. "Now, it appears the public is accepting the fact that a new courthouse is a must."

Groundbreaking for the courthouse took place in October 2024, drawing Governor Kay Ivey and other state officials to the site.

"The building will feature two above-ground floors, as well as one level below grade," Williams said. "I believe this new courthouse will allow our citizens to spend less time attending to necessary business with county offices. One can buy their car tag, then walk across the hall and renew their driver's license... I'm convinced a new courthouse will not only be a help to the public, but it will save county dollars in the long run."

Project Manager Martin Snook of Brasfield & Gorrie noted the team’s biggest early hurdle has been securing water access.

"The water and sewer main lines are located on the opposite side of a state highway," he explained. "To address this, the site contractor must jack and bore beneath the road... which requires extensive coordination with the site contractor, civil engineer and various local and state entities."

Crews are currently focused on grading, installing site utilities, and pouring footings for the structure. Earthwork on the 13-acre site has been substantial, including a 12-foot basement excavation and over 89,000 cubic yards of soil movement.

Snook highlighted the site’s unexpected topsoil volume, which is being stored for future county use, and the discovery of an existing well that required demolition. "The contractor excavated the well, incorporated bentonite, sealed it with concrete and then backfilled with soil and compacted it," he said.

Despite minor weather-related delays, Snook said high sand content helped mitigate moisture issues. The building’s exterior will include brick, insulated glass fiber reinforced concrete, EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System), and both thermoplastic polyolefin and metal roofing.

Looking ahead, the interior build-out will be the most complex phase, with the first floor divided into numerous smaller spaces for various agencies.

Snook praised the expertise of Brasfield & Gorrie’s federal division in navigating the intricacies of government construction. "Our federal division has proven invaluable, providing expertise and guidance to the architect, preconstruction team and project members on milestones and potential challenges," he said.

He added that the company views the project as both a professional milestone and a personal investment. "This project is a promising investment in its people and future success... Our ability to leverage our expertise for Chilton County's benefit underscores this dedication, particularly in a community that so many of our employees and trade partners call home."

The courthouse is slated for completion in 2026, and officials believe it will deliver lasting benefits for Chilton County’s residents and government operations

Originally reported by Construction Equipment Guide.