McKinley Architecture and Engineering and Brandstetter Carroll recently designed the new Judicial Center for the Brooke County Commission.

A lack of space in the older courthouse and concerns about security led current and former county commissioners to pursue the new building.

This 3-story, 33,000 square foot building is on the site directly south of the existing courthouse annex. The Judicial Center includes the Circuit Court, Magistrate Court, Family Court, Prosecutors office, Probation office, secure holding cells on each floor and all supporting staff for each. Security for the entire building was important.

The building is steel framed with a brick and stone veneer. There is a large glass entry facing the Ohio River. In addition, it has been situated so that first floor is out of the 100 year flood plain and it is still completely accessible to the public. There will also be additional parking on an adjacent property.

The Owner requested special lighting to showcase the building and highlight the columns. Our electrical engineer did extensive research, and Color Kinetics was chosen, which delivers full-color dynamic light and better-quality white light. It was the perfect selection for Column lighting with precision tight beam control, flexibility, and maintenance-free reliability. Advanced output optimization allows over 1 million color variations, and the Chromasync technology controls and boosts output while ensuring color consistency.

On July 23, 2022, a Cornerstone Laying Ceremony was held with County leaders, the Brooke County Commissioners, representatives of the Wellsburg Chamber of Commerce, members of the West Virginia Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, and others looked on as the Masons conducted the ceremony. Speakers addressed the crowd and highlighted the importance of this investment in the county.

A Grand Opening Celebration was held on March 26, 2024 with members of the Brooke County Commission, Wellsburg Chamber of Commerce, Judges, officials, dignitaries, and community members. Representatives from Senator Joe Manchin’s office presented a U.S. Flag that had once been flown over the Capitol. A painting of the Judicial Center as seen from the Ohio River, created by Ashley Otto – wife of Wellsburg Chamber president Dan Otto – will be hung in the entry way.