York County Courthouse

Scope of Work

Full architectural services

Berggren Architects remodeled, renovated, and completed an addition to the courthouse.

Location

York, NE

History

York County Courthouse, circa 1980

Designed by Wilson & Company

Completion

This project was completed in 2021.

The Challenge

This project is a result of an interlocal agreement between York County and the City of York to merge their dispatch operations into one thoroughly modern and efficient facility. The space housing this new dispatch center was to be located in the existing York County Courthouse. An addition was planned to accommodate for the space requirements of the new center and its additional workstations, staff, and amenities.

The old entrance to the sheriff’s department.

The north face of the courthouse before the addition.

The York County Courthouse is more utilitarian than other courthouses we’ve served. This project required a different approach to design.

Extensive reinforcing is visible from the thick concrete walls.

The masonry walls were slugged full of concrete for added durability in the event of violent weather.

A look through a thick concrete doorway during construction.

Lightning protection sits atop the entire roof.

Care was taken to color-match the brick of the addition to the existing courthouse.

The Strategy

Berggren Architects designed for heightened efficiency and security in York County’s new dispatch center. The building shell is complete with secure concrete walls, at times over two-foot thick, and ballistic glass windows.

The roof over the dispatch center was designed with no penetrations to eliminate all overhead piping and avoid the potential leaks over sensitive equipment. A raised floor system allowed mechanical functions to run beneath while being easily adaptable to future improvements.

A redundant HVAC was designed and installed, ensuring no gaps in operation. Lightning protection was also installed throughout the entire roof. This process was phased for uninterrupted use of the existing space.

The Results

The new dispatch center addition to the York County Courthouse was completed in 2020. The former dispatch station, located within the courthouse, was renovated to become additional space for the sheriff’s department.

Along with improving security for staff, this project moved the Sheriff’s public reception area away from the county jail entrance and created improved circulation, a new board room near the public entry, a new jail laundry, new evidence storage, and improved interview spaces.

The new entry to the sheriff’s department creates separation between public reception and the jail entrance.

The new entryway after snowfall.

A look down the sheriff’s department entrance.

The York County Courthouse addition is attached to the north face of the original structure.

A new sidewalk was built as part of the addition.

Interior Photos

Dispatch: Before

Dispatch: After

Dispatch: Before

Dispatch: After

Squad Room: Before

Squad Room: After

Commissioner’s Board Room: Before

Commissioner’s Board Room: After

Break Room: Before

Break Room: After

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Our Process

We listen to you

We are preservation architects, let’s get together and talk about your project. Once we know your ideas, we can start your project in the right directions.

We involve you in the planning

Planning projects is what we do. We’ll work with you to develop the best way to implement your ideas. Our written documents are the road map which is essential to ensuring your expectations.

We make it happen

When you’re ready to implement your ideas, we’ll gather together the craftsmen and women necessary and bring your ideas to life. Architecture is in the details. We will follow your project through completion ensuring all the details meet your expectations.
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