Ottawa County Family Justice Center

The Ottawa County Family Judicial Center in West Olive, Michigan, is a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance the judicial experience for both employees and visitors. This 3-story, 56,200 square foot building houses three courtrooms, two hearing rooms, and various court offices, including the Friend of the Court, Court Clerk, and Juvenile offices. The center is thoughtfully integrated with the environment, connecting to existing trails that offer a serene natural escape for employees and guests. A standout feature of the facility is its Zoom rooms, which provide a space for individuals to attend court virtually if they lack access to their own computers. Additionally, a small café space enhances the waiting experience, while an enclosed family lounge offers a quiet retreat for families with sensory issues, away from the noise and chaos of the main waiting areas. The center emphasizes local art, featuring numerous installation opportunities, including a striking 3-foot mural in the open staircase. The garden level, designed as a walkout, takes advantage of the site’s natural hilly terrain. Developed using the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) method, the project fostered collaboration among the design team, contractors, and MEP contractors from the outset. This approach expedited construction and minimized requests for information, ultimately improving the relationship between contractors and designers. The Ottawa County Family Judicial Center stands as a testament to innovative design and collaborative execution.