With the historic Geauga County Courthouse expansion and renovation project close to its grand opening, Project Manager Brad Gellert, AIA, NCARB, led team members and guests on a tour of the nearly-finished facility.

The tour started outside the new arched stone west entrance. Brad recounted the building’s history and local significance, pointing out unique design features, materials, and construction details. Chardon is the county seat of Geauga County, and the original courthouse was constructed in 1870 when the requirements and usage for the county court were very different.

By design, the stone on the building’s addition came from the same quarry as the original construction. Molds of the historic cornice were created during construction to fashion the new cornice and ensure it matches. There is a designated space at the entrance for a potential time capsule.

The 26-member group wound through the new three-floor building, experiencing the lobby, offices, conference rooms, hallways, courtrooms, holding cells, and the sally port.

One unique detail included a small seam between the two buildings, which was still visible in a joining doorway. While this will be covered before construction finishes, it was a unique juxtaposition between buildings that were 150 years apart.

When the original courthouse was built, the design and security philosophies were much different than today. This new addition modernizes the historic courthouse and blends the old and new on Chardon’s historic square.

For some, it was the first time they had been to the site, while others were working on it before the groundbreaking ceremony in December 2023. But everyone agreed, it was a fun, unique opportunity, and they were grateful to see the culmination of so many people’s efforts.

ThenDesign Architecture is a learning and teaching firm, providing staff with career opportunities that expand their knowledge and experience. This project tour allowed any professional in the firm the chance to gain a greater understanding of what we do and how to overcome the challenges of a historic renovation project.

Begun in December 2023, the Geauga County Courthouse renovation and expansion project is a $20 million expansion in Chardon, Ohio, which doubles the size of the existing courthouse by adding approximately 30,800 square feet to enable county services to be conducted more efficiently, while updating technology and security features.

It will officially open in February 2026.

For further design process details, read our articles featured on TDA Insights: Where History Meets the Future and Geauga County Courthouse Groundbreaking Ceremony.