Hamilton County officials will break ground Monday, May 11, on a major expansion of the Hamilton County Judicial Center in downtown Noblesville, a project county leaders say is needed to keep pace with the county’s rapid population growth and increasing court caseloads.
The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for 9 a.m. on the west lawn of the Judicial Center and will feature remarks from county officials, judges and project partners.
The project will add more than 100,000 square feet to the existing Judicial Center complex, including seven new courtrooms, upgraded security features and expanded public space. The addition is expected to be completed in late 2027.
County officials say the three-story expansion is designed not only to address current overcrowding, but also to prepare for future growth. The first floor will eventually house county offices, while the second floor will include the new courtrooms. The third floor will remain unfinished initially, allowing room for future expansion as court caseloads continue to increase.
“This expansion is really about keeping up with the people we serve,” Hamilton County Superior Court 2 Judge Jon Brown said in a news release. “Hamilton County’s population has exploded, and our court dockets have grown right along with it. We’re seeing routine hearings being delayed for months. This new space will help us move cases more efficiently and give our judges, staff, and citizens the resources they deserve.”
The current Judicial Center was built in 1992 and has undergone several remodels over the years to accommodate additional staff and departments. County officials say post-pandemic increases in court filings have now pushed the facility beyond its intended capacity.
The expanded facility will also provide space for additional judges expected to take office in 2027.
Hamilton County Commissioners President Christine Altman said county officials are coordinating with the City of Noblesville to reduce the impact of construction activity downtown, where several projects are planned over the next two years.
“Our goal is to make progress without getting in the way,” Altman said. “We’re coordinating closely with the city to align schedules, stage construction trailers and equipment offsite, and keep as much parking and pedestrian access open as possible. We want to minimize disruption for businesses and residents.”
The expansion represents one of the largest county government construction projects currently underway in Hamilton County and reflects the continuing growth pressures facing local government services in one of Indiana’s fastest-growing counties.