When it comes to county courthouses, they don't build them like they used to...or do they? The new Allen County Judicial Center in Scottsville, KY has the style and stature of the courthouses of a by-gone era. Topping the stately structure is zinc roofing from IMETCO.
“Since the early days of the commonwealth, Kentucky courthouses have held a special place as the center of our communities,” Chief Justice of Kentucky John D. Minton Jr. said during a December 2012 ceremony to commemmorate the state-of-the-art courthouse's completion. “The Allen County Judicial Center will provide an efficient facility where citizens can carry out court business and seek access to justice.
“This majestic new building symbolizes to all who pass by that Allen County puts a high value on the power and privilege of our democratic form of government,” Minton said.
Architectural firm Sherman Carter Barnhart designed the facility to meet the standards required by the Administrative Office of the Courts, and to become a candidate for LEED Silver certification. And while the building is as modern as they come, it pays homage to the county's old courthouse, built in 1903, which sits on the other side of Scottsville’s town square. The bell from its clock tower not sits atop the new justice center, ensconced by a stunning cupola clad in zinc. Half round gutters and downspouts made of IMETCO’s United Zinc turn the water management system into a classic architectural accent.
State Rep. Wilson Stone, D-Scottsville, said he expects the new judicial center to have a long life as the place where justice is administered. A Series 300 standing seam metal roof from IMETCO helps ensure that a long service life is achieved. A high-performance structural metal roof system, Series 300 is engineered to withstand even the most severe weather conditions, and has stood the test of time, protecting buildings throughout the nation for more than three decades. An extended lifespan is further assured by the selection of United Zinc as the roofing material. Zinc is commonly used throughout Europe as a roofing material, where its longevity is measured in generations rather than years.
“So many people had a hand in seeing that justice in Allen County got to where it is today, and I am proud to be able to place my confidence in them as time goes on so that this building will not be worn out in 25 years, 40 years, 50 years or even 100 years,” Stone said.
The judicial center consists of approximately 41,528 square feet and includes space for Circuit Court, District Court, the Office of Circuit Court Clerk and ancillary services. Equipped with the latest computer, video and networking technology, the new facility is designed to greatly enhance the delivery of court services, while providing the highest level of security to keep staff and visitors safe.
The zinc roofing was installed by Gunter Roofing of Scottsville. IMETCO is headquartered in Norcross, GA.