Why do we need to replace the Courthouse?

The Courthouse was originally constructed in 1935 and hasn't seen significant improvements since 1978. With over 230,000 visitors annually, this 84-year-old building is showing its age and its inability to accommodate today's existing law and justice programs. After an extensive review of the structure along with its mechanical and electrical systems, as well as its ability to implement common court security measures, replacement of the courthouse is ultimately the most cost-effective solution of public resources.  

Option 5 in the Feasibility Assessment takes a phased build-out approach of replacing the Courthouse with Phase 1 moving forward immediately.

What public services and programs are currently located in the courthouse?

As a regional law and justice center for 267,000 residents, the existing courthouse is home to state mandated programs such as District and Superior Courts, Office of Public Defense, Prosecutor's Office, Sheriff's Office, Clerk's Office, Law Library and county support systems such as Information Services and a back-up 911 call center. The County's 440 bed jail is located next to the existing courthouse.  

How will Phase 1 be funded?

State law allows Real Estate Excise Taxes (REET) 1 to be used for planning and construction of law and justice facilities. Phase 1 is roughly estimated to cost $54 million. The $54 represents the best estimate, of predesign, of the cost of the site work, building construction, cost of improvements to  existing courthouse, parking improvements, property acquisition, design cost, furniture and fixtures, sales tax, permitting fees and contingency. Revenues from existing REET will be used to repay a 30-year general obligation bond.

How will parking be addressed in Phase 1 and beyond?

Parking demand estimates were conducted during the 2018 feasibility assessment for all programs at full build-out. As part of 2019-2020 real estate, design and engineering efforts, Kitsap County will refine parking demand estimates and evaluate additional land needs for parking facilities. Ultimately, as part of permit approval, Phase 1 will include a design to meet parking demands and requirements outlined in the City of Port Orchard development codes.  

What is the physical extent of this phase of the project?  What does the phrase “super block” mean?

Phase 1 will construct parking and a new addition to the north end of the existing Courthouse adjacent to Cline Street.  This roughly 82,660 square foot addition will add 10 new courtrooms of varying sizes and a secure hearing room, new jury assembly, and new judicial and department offices.  It will also include separate circulation corridors for the public and persons in custody moving back and forth from the adjacent 440 bed jail.

The “super block” is considered to be the county owned parcels boarded by Division and Taylor Street to and Sidney and Cline Street.  The County’s consultant was tasked in the Feasibility and Space Needs Analysis with determining whether a new courthouse could fit on the super block.  All of the preliminary options presented confirmed that the new courthouse could fit on the super block but that additional property would need to be acquired to meet parking requirements.

What does the phrase “adaptive reuse” mean to this project?

Superior Court offices and courtrooms will be moving into the new wing which will free up offices and courtrooms in the existing Courthouse.  The County plans to make minor modifications to the existing courthouse to accommodate the redistribution of those offices and departments remaining in the existing courthouse.

Why didn’t the County choose to construct the new courthouse all at once instead of phases?

The preliminary options presented were estimated between $130 to $145 million.  While the County had bonding authority to sell bonds to fund all phases, it was determined that bonding in phases was a better approach given the County’s REET revenue projections and existing debt obligations.  As other, older debt obligations retire, the County will look to financing the next phase of the project.