Harris County Criminal Justice Center

This award-winning, 21-story courthouse is the largest of its kind in the United States.

PGAL served as planner, prime architect, interior designer, and civil engineer for the 788,000-square-foot project.

The design team worked with several key mandates, including maximum space utilization, quality finishes, and technical flexibility. PGAL also ensured that the courthouse would have safe and secure circulation and civic stature on the skyline, all while maintaining strict budget control.

The highly contemporary building features 27 district criminal courtrooms and 16 county criminal courtrooms outfitted with jury monitors, evidence presentation technology, and outside video feeds. Shell space for 12 future courtrooms is also provided. Durability was of the utmost importance in the selection of finishes, which include terrazzo, granite, marble, and wood paneling. Secure parking for 100 cars is located under the building in addition to surface parking.