Pulaski Justice Center Renovation

A Justice Center Designed for Better Service, Safety, and Efficiency

Pulaski County needed a government building contractor to renovate and expand its Justice Center without disrupting daily court operations. Pulaski County partnered with Tonn and Blank to modernize the occupied facility, add approximately 7,100 square feet of new space, and relocate court functions from the historic courthouse into one secure, centralized location.

The project included a new courtroom, judges’ chambers, attorney interview rooms, technology spaces, public meeting rooms, an expanded lobby, covered entrance, security screening area, and renovated booking and office spaces. Every improvement supported the County’s long-term goal of improving public service, increasing security, and preparing the historic courthouse for future restoration.

Building Around Justice in Session

Renovating an active justice facility requires careful planning because the building never stops serving the public. Court proceedings, Sheriff’s Office operations, inmate movement, staff activities, and public access all continued safely throughout construction.

The project also required tying new additions into the existing 1996 structure before roofing could begin, coordinating around long lead times for doors and security hardware during the pandemic, and adjusting construction plans as conditions changed.

One of the biggest challenges came when the original main entrance construction sequence no longer supported safe daily operations. Instead of forcing work around an increasingly congested area, the team worked with County leadership to create a temporary public entrance. That decision improved site logistics, reduced conflicts between construction and courthouse traffic, and allowed multiple trades to work efficiently while maintaining safe access for employees and visitors.

The Right Plan for a Complex Project

An experienced government building contractor understands that communication drives successful renovation projects. The project team coordinated daily with the Sheriff’s Office, Jail Commander, Maintenance Director, County officials, and project stakeholders to plan work around court schedules and security requirements.

The self-perform crew completed selective demolition, roofing, door and hardware installation, and custom cabinetry, giving the project greater control over sequencing and quality while working inside occupied spaces. Existing building features were preserved and repurposed whenever practical, helping the County maximize its investment without sacrificing performance.

Security improvements included new monitoring systems, card reader access controls, secure perimeter measures, and a dedicated public screening checkpoint that now provides safer circulation for judges, staff, attorneys, inmates, and visitors.

Long-Term Value for Pulaski County

The completed Justice Center gives Pulaski County a modern, centralized judicial campus that improves daily operations and enhances the experience for everyone who uses the facility.

By relocating court functions into one secure building, the County reduced inmate transportation, improved public access, strengthened security, and created opportunities for future rehabilitation of the historic courthouse. Careful financial stewardship throughout construction also generated project savings, allowing the County to replace aging courtroom carpeting that had remained in service since the 1990s.

The Justice Center now serves as the first phase of Pulaski County’s long-term facilities improvement program, delivering practical value to County staff, elected officials, and the community. When it was time to start on the next phase, Pulaski Courthouse Renovation, they already know a trusted government building contractor.

“Working closely with Tonn and Blank on the renovation of and addition to our Pulaski County Justice Center was a remarkable experience. As a community-development professional, I had no previous experiencing overseeing a construction project, let alone a multi-million dollar improvement to a public facility that houses important offices and functions, but found myself in these uncharted waters.

From the president of the company down to our incredible project superintendent and the laborers working under him, Tonn and Blank ensured that this project succeeded in a timely and under-budget manner and that I was equipped with the necessary information at all times to make decisions or to report to our county commissioners so that they could make well-informed choices; their work for the people of Pulaski County is appreciated beyond words and a testament to the values that have driven this company for more than a century.”

Nathan P. Origer, Executive Director
Pulaski Co. Community Development Commission