MADISON COUNTY COURTHOUSE RENOVATION

Following a multi-year feasibility study, integrity ARCHITECTURE partnered with the Madison County Judge Executive and the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to lead the comprehensive renovation and modernization of the historic Madison County Courthouse. Originally built in 1849, the building required significant upgrades to meet current safety, security, and accessibility standards—while preserving its architectural legacy in downtown Richmond.

The design introduced a second courtroom beneath the existing main courtroom, addressed secure entry and inmate holding areas, and brought the entire interior up to modern code compliance. Exterior improvements focused on restoring the historic façade and enhancing the site with new lighting and accessibility features—all while maintaining the courthouse’s iconic civic identity. In addition to the renovation, a new building addition was constructed to house a secure sally port, further supporting upgraded prisoner handling and transfer operations.

To minimize disruption during construction, integrity ARCHITECTURE developed a phased renovation plan and relocation strategy across multiple county-owned buildings to maintain court operations.

The project was recognized with the 2025 Public Service to Preservation Award by the Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation, honoring the County and design team’s shared commitment to restoring and sustaining a landmark of civic and architectural significance.

The entire interior of the building will be gutted and renovated to bring the facility up to modern accessibility, fire protection, and code-compliance standards. The exterior will be carefully restored, with all new lighting systems.

Our team developed a multi-phase/multi-building renovation plan and fast-tracked construction schedule to relocate all Madison County court functions and departments into temporary and/or new spaces. In March of 2020, the project was put on hold as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but has since resumed and is approaching the final stages of design.