Indian River Courthouse Renovation

In 1994, PGAL served as planner, prime architect and interior designer for this AIA Honor Award-winning project located within the context of historical downtown Vero Beach.

This 120,000-square-foot justice center served as the catalyst for redevelopment of the city’s central business district. Housed are six County and Circuit courtrooms and large ceremonial courtroom located in two zones. A third zone houses the County Attorney’s offices. The main public space is the rotunda encompassing a pair of monumental curving stairs that lead to the courtroom level. The courtrooms are served by five sets of holding cells, court-associated offices, a jury assembly room, law library, Clerk of Court offices and constitutional offices.

The architectural vernacular is classical in form, particularly in the massing of the building and the granite entry portico yet, contextual to Old Florida with limestone cladding and arcaded walkways topped by a dark green metal roof. A 400-car parking garage, with clear separations of path for security, serves the judicial staff, jury duty citizens and visiting public. This pedestrian friendly, low profile parking structure serves the courthouse and the County Library.

In 2016, PGAL was awarded the renovation to this project and provided architectural design services for the relocation of the Land Records and the Juvenile Department to the first floor Law Library and converting the vacated area on the second floor into a new courtroom.

Features include:

1. 120,000-square-foot justice center

2. 400-car parking garage

3. Six County and Circuit Courtroom and a large ceremonial courtroom