Howard County had outgrown its 175-year-old courthouse — a building rich in history but lacking the space, security, and technology to serve a rapidly growing population. The county needed a modern facility capable of supporting its evolving demands. After decades of stalled efforts to move a new courthouse forward, Howard County needed a partner to help rethink the entire approach, from financing and delivery to long-term operations.

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We delivered a long-term partnership solution that met these goals and brought the largest infrastructure project in the county’s history to completion on time and on budget, even as construction navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Since opening in July 2021, the courthouse has brought together the Circuit Court, State's Attorney, Public Defender, Sheriff, Clerk of the Court, Bar Association, and Register of Wills under one roof for the first time, making everyday legal work more connected and more efficient for the residents and attorneys who rely on it. The building has also given the county room to grow programs that serve the community directly, including alternative dispute resolution, interpreter services, a larger bar library and legal clinics, and partnerships with community organizations offering lower-cost options for court-ordered services. For a county that has grown more than 12 percent in less than a decade, the courthouse is built to serve its residents for the long haul.