Columbus and Franklin County officials say a new municipal courthouse downtown may go up across the street from the current courthouse.
While it's still in the planning stage, local officials are looking into building the courthouse at the southeast corner of South High Street and East Mound Street, between Mound and East Fulton. The site, owned by Franklin County, is the current location of Dorrian Commons Park and the James A. Karnes Building.
Last May, Columbus voters approved a more than $1 billion bond package that included $130 million for the new courthouse.
City and county officials say they want to find the best location for the municipal courthouse to maintain connection to the adjacent Franklin County Courthouse and other county and city offices.
John O'Grady, president of the Board of Commissioners, said in an emailed press release that the building site must meet the county’s growing needs.
“However, achieving that goal must also be done in a fiscally responsible way that limits disruptions for the public,” O’Grady says.
Another location once considered is the southwest corner of South High and West Main Street. The county plans to keep that space for future development.
