A handful of people come and go at the main entrance to the Snohomish County Courthouse late Monday afternoon. (Dan Bates / The Herald)

A handful of people come and go at the main entrance to the Snohomish County Courthouse late Monday afternoon. (Dan Bates / The Herald)

Despite issues, judges warming up to courthouse renovation plan

EVERETT — Some skeptical judges signaled for the first time Monday that they’re open to supporting the idea of renovating the Snohomish County courthouse, though they’re quick to point out shortcomings in the plan.

The County Council could decide as early as next week whether to commit to the nearly $63 million construction project.

“We don’t think this is the ideal solution,” said Presiding Superior Court Judge Linda Krese, who added that some of her colleagues remain opposed.

Designs presented by the county’s architect on Monday show a new five-story tower joined to the north side of the courthouse facing Wall Street. That would help provide three separate elevator systems for different groups of people: patrons, staff and jail inmates who appear in court. In the current setup, those groups are often forced into uncomfortably close quarters.

Last month, all three of the building’s elevators stopped working on the same day.

The renovation plan also aims to make the courthouse more earthquake-ready and provides bathrooms on every floor that meet federal standards for people with disabilities, compared to just one now. Security would improve on several fronts.

Given the county’s finances, the latest plans are better than doing nothing, Krese said. The courts stand to gain one new courtroom and vast improvements to two others. A new jury room would have space for 200 people.

The plans don’t provide as secure a layout as judges would like and leave some nagging maintenance needs untouched. Even so the presiding judge said she was impressed at what Atlanta-based architect Heery International was able to accomplish within the limited budget. She and her colleagues also are demanding a long-term plan for constructing a future courthouse, perhaps about two decades down the road.

If approved, construction could start late this year and the new tower could open in 2020, architect Doug Kleppin said.

Serious debates about replacing the 1967 courthouse have dragged on for a decade.

At a critical point in 2012, the County Council voted to take out $75 million in bonds to pay for renovation. A year later, the council increased the budget to $162 million pay to build a new eight-story building across the street and a block to the east.

The county was preparing to break ground on that project in 2015 when the County Council abruptly put it on hold over financial concerns and parking requirements from Everett. About $3.6 million in property condemned to make space for the future courthouse footprint now sits mostly idle.

County Executive Dave Somers, a former councilman who was elected to his current position in 2015, last year came out in favor of the renovation project to address urgent needs at a reduced cost. Money from the original bond sale would pay for it.

The courthouse addition would add about 29,000 square feet, expanding the existing building about 25 percent.

Somers also asked the County Council to support a combined $9.2 million in upgrades left off the main courthouse renovation plan. They include overhauling heating and air systems, courtroom audio-visual equipment and security features. That money would come from taxes on property transactions.

The veterans’ memorial on the plaza outside the courthouse would move to a different spot if the construction project moves ahead.

Noah Haglund: 425-339-3465; nhaglund@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @NWhaglund.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Jasmine Donahue talks about being a place for people leave messages when looking for family members, friends or loved ones on the street on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett extends deadline for homeless service facing closure

Hope ‘N Wellness must now comply with city zoning laws by April 30. The organization is “grateful,” its owner said, but still hopes for a permanent solution.

New Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce CEO CEO Wendy Poischbeg speaks at a kick off event on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Everett Rising’: Wednesday’s chamber luncheon to showcase a new era of growth.

The Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce is beginning its efforts… Continue reading

The Edmonds School District building on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds School District faces estimated $8.5 million deficit

The shortfall is lower than previous years, but the effects are “cumulative,” Superintendent Rebecca Miner said.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Hundreds rally against Trump on Presidents Day in Everett

People lined Broadway with signs and flags, similar to other protests across the country.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

Alina Langbehn, 6, center, and Vera A., 6, right, sit on a swing together at Drew Nielsen Neighborhood Park after school on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council votes to renovate Drew Nielsen Park

Construction on the $345,000 upgrade could start as early as this fall.

Northshore School District bus driver Stewart O’Leary pictured next to his buses shattered drivers side windshield on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Bothell, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Put me in, coach’: Bus driver back at work after struck by metal bar

Stewart O’Leary, a Northshore employee, has received national attention for his composure during a frightening bus trip.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.