Twelve elevators.
That may be all you need to know about the new Wake County Justice Center in downtown Raleigh.
The current Wake County Courthouse has only four slow elevators, so by comparison, this new building, which will open in phases this summer, could easily be a complete success.
In addition to the 12 elevators, there are escalators to the third floor, allowing people to move quickly among the first three floors, where most will find what they need on routine courthouse visits.
The building was designed with an eye toward the two distinct areas of county business. The McDowell Street entrance allows visitors to enter the building on the county government side and the Salisbury entrance will be used mostly for those interested in the Wake County court business. At the center, the four-story atrium is filled with light and will allow people to mix and mingle and partake from a new snack bar.
The Wake County Justice Center also includes up-to-the-minute design touches. There are six TV screens in the Wake County Commissioners’ meeting room.
The first floor will have electronic screens with complete listings of the daily court docket. The courtrooms are all designed with stately dark wood.
The $30 million building will open ahead of schedule with the Register of Deeds and Revenue Department opening for business in the new building Wednesday.
Karen Tam / Raleigh Public Record
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As the Wake County prepares to open the new Justice Center, a ladder waits in the McDowell Street side lobby.
Karen Tam / Raleigh Public Record
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Wake County Commissioners have a new meeting room with six TVs.
Karen Tam / Raleigh Public Record
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A worker walks across the lobby area outside the Wake County Commissioners' meeting room.
Karen Tam / Raleigh Public Record
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A view out the windows looking across Salisbury Street toward the old Wake County courthouse.
Karen Tam / Raleigh Public Record
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A courtroom with dark wood and a bank of windows facing the old Wake county Courthouse.
Karen Tam / Raleigh Public Record
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Confiscated items taken from people entering the old Wake County Courthouse. This collection of items included a bottle of olive oil. The oil did not bother county officials, but no glass items are allowed in the building.
Other offices will move into the new building during the coming weeks, and a grand opening is scheduled for 11 a.m. July 1. Civil and family courts will remain in the old building.
While the marble and light-filled building will dazzle most Wake County visitors, the one area that will bring a smile to the old Wake County Courthouse regulars will be those 12 elevators.
Get more details on the move and where services will be in the new building at the Wake County Justice Center page.
