Final Beam Installed in Judicial Expansion in Lawrence

Lawrence, Kansas, August 21, 2025

News Summary

The Judicial and Law Enforcement Center in Lawrence has reached a significant milestone with the installation of the final beam in its expansion project. This addition will increase the facility’s capacity with new courtrooms, judges’ chambers, and enhanced sustainability features, including solar panels. Set to open soon, the expansion aims to improve judicial efficiency and community accessibility, while also being part of a larger initiative for public safety enhancements in Douglas County.

Final Beam Installed in Multimillion-Dollar Judicial and Law Enforcement Center Expansion in Lawrence, Kansas

The installation of the final beam for the new Judicial and Law Enforcement Center (JLEC) expansion took place on August 20, 2025, marking a significant achievement for this multimillion-dollar project in Lawrence, Kansas. Located in the heart of downtown, near 11th and New Hampshire streets, this substantial addition aims to enhance the local judicial system’s facilities.

Spanning 158,075 square feet, the JLEC expansion is designed to include six new courtrooms, dedicated judges’ chambers, office spaces for District Court staff, and additional holding areas for individuals in custody. A highlight of the design is the incorporation of rooftop solar panels, underlining the project’s commitment to sustainability, which further aligns with modern environmental standards.

Slated for completion in the summer of 2026, the new facility will be operational next summer. Following the completion of the expansion, renovations to the existing JLEC are scheduled to begin in July 2026. These upgrades will enhance three courtrooms and improve office spaces and public areas, including the lobby and restrooms, thereby offering a better experience for all visitors.

A key aspect of the renovations will be the relocation of essential public services, namely the Clerk of the District Court and the Douglas County Law Library, closer to the main entrance. This move aims to improve accessibility for the public, ensuring that individuals can navigate the facility with greater ease.

This expansion is part of the most extensive capital improvement project in Douglas County’s history, complementing the construction of a new Public Safety Building adjacent to the Douglas County Correctional Facility. The JLEC expansion is expected to serve the community and meet its evolving judicial needs for decades to come.

The project celebrated its recent milestone with a topping-out ceremony, attended by community members and JE Dunn Construction staff, who noted the completion of the structural phase of the building. During the ceremony, attendees were invited to sign the final beam before it was hoisted into place, symbolizing their support and connection to the project.

Tim Ockinga, a representative from JE Dunn Construction, highlighted the hard work of the team and the impressive total of over 30,000 person-hours contributed to the project. The commitment of all involved has kept the construction on track despite challenges such as weather and other factors.

This expansion signifies more than just a building project; it’s a long-term investment in the community’s future, aiming to provide a modern, efficient, and accessible judicial system while laying the groundwork for ongoing improvements.

Key Features of the JLEC Expansion

Feature	Details
Location	Downtown Lawrence, near 11th and New Hampshire streets
Size	158,075 square feet
New Facilities	Six courtrooms, judges’ chambers, office spaces, custody holding areas
Completion Date	Summer 2026
Sustainability Features	Rooftop solar panels
Renovation Plans	Updates to existing courtrooms and public areas starting July 2026
Accessibility Improvements	Public services relocated closer to main entrance

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Additional Resources

• Lawrence Journal-World: JLEC Expansion Milestone
• Lawrence Times: Water Line Break JLEC
• Lawrence Times: JLEC Budget Discussion
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Judicial System
• Lawrence Journal-World: Driver Sentenced