Milwaukee County Selects Consultants to Support Design Phase of Courthouse Complex Planning

MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee County has selected consultants to support multi-year efforts to plan for the future of Courthouse Complex facilities, including by designing a building to replace the current Public Safety Building. AECOM, a global infrastructure consulting firm, will provide architectural planning and design services. A team from the National Center for State Courts (NCSC)’s Court Consulting Services Division will secure stakeholder input that will help shape the function, programs and services possible in a new building.

Like all Wisconsin counties, Milwaukee County is considered an administrative arm of the State of Wisconsin and is mandated to provide certain services. As part of the mandate to provide judicial and public safety services, Milwaukee County maintains and operates the Historic Courthouse, the Public Safety Building and the Criminal Justice Facility, which together form the Courthouse Complex in downtown Milwaukee.

Milwaukee County has identified a critical need to re-envision and invest in the Courthouse Complex facilities – with a particular focus on the nearly 100-year-old Public Safety Building.

“The Public Safety Building is intended to serve as the center for the entire public safety continuum in Milwaukee County, but it is crumbling, inefficient, and poses risks to community safety and justice. It requires removal and replacement with a new building,” said County Executive David Crowley. “We are pleased to partner with AECOM and NCSC as we determine how best to reinvest in modern facilities that reflect the values of our community and meet the state-mandated needs of those who rely on them. AECOM’s experience in architectural planning and design, coupled with NCSC’s experience and dedication to community engagement, aligns perfectly with Milwaukee County’s vision for our community and a new building that supports better outcomes for all who are touched by the justice system.”

By onboarding the two teams simultaneously, Milwaukee County, AECOM, and NCSC begin a comprehensive design effort that integrates architectural best practices with County and community input related to the function, programs and services possible in a new building.

AECOM, with a local office in Milwaukee, will focus on process improvements regarding the new building’s physical footprint, building flow, square footage and proximity of offices and services, among others. AECOM has significant experience on projects with similar scope and scale, including the Broward County Judicial Complex, a joint Public Safety Training Campus in Chicago, and Milwaukee County’s Family Court. The County awarded the RFP to AECOM based on their experience in court planning and process improvement and their commitment to both stakeholder engagement and sustainability.

“We, together with our architectural partners NORR and Continuum, are honored to have been selected to work on this once-in-a-lifetime project alongside Milwaukee County,” said Jeannette Peruchini, Vice President of AECOM. “We share the team’s dedication and urgency to achieve the outcomes of this project because justice delayed is justice denied. We look forward to partnering with NCSC and connecting with the community to explore ways to ensure the new building is an intentionally designed, dignified place for all.”

NCSC has extensive, nationwide experience working on facilities planning projects and leading and conducting stakeholder feedback activities that capture and incorporate the needs of stakeholders and court users. That feedback can help guide courts in developing services and structures that meet the needs and goals of the community and incorporate best practices. With Milwaukee County, NCSC will conduct stakeholder engagement efforts focused on identifying the services and structure Milwaukee County may offer in a future Courthouse Complex to advance better outcomes for our community. The team from NCSC will include architectural experts and will work closely with AECOM as initial designs for a new building are developed.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Milwaukee County and applaud their efforts to conduct a community-focused planning process,” said Zach Zarnow, Deputy Managing Director of NCSC’s Access to Justice team. “There is so much potential in this project, and we look forward to marshaling stakeholder feedback and national best practices and research to support the entire project team.”

Selecting these consultants is the most recent milestone in a carefully crafted, long-term plan for revitalizing the Courthouse Complex, improving public safety, and improving outcomes for all. This design phase of the project is anticipated to last through 2027; construction may begin in 2028 or 2029 and continue through 2031 or 2032. Additional information is available online at https://county.milwaukee.gov/InvestinginJustice

ABOUT AECOM:

AECOM (NYSE: ACM) is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com.

ABOUT NCSC:

The National Center for State Courts is a community of dedicated researchers, consultants and former practitioners who drive innovation and progress in courts and justice systems. NCSC’s reputation for trusted leadership allows us to work alongside top judicial officers to examine some of the most complex and significant issues facing society. Our team of experts and court leaders are deeply committed to advancing just, free and safe communities. Resources include webinars, on-site or remote technical assistance, education and training, and direct consulting. Our International Programs group works in dozens of countries around the world supporting rule of law efforts. Our work is designed to make a difference. As the only organization that enjoys collaborative relationships with the Conference of Chief Justices, Conference of State Court Administrators and other associations of judicial leaders, NCSC has unique insight into the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing state courts.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

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