The Columbian Building has been giving a new purpose; it is now home to the Fairfield County Municipal Court.
Court officials and employees moved in quickly, and court was back in session April 18.
The renovation is a win-win for the community, say project supporters. Lancaster preserves a historic building, and the court gets badly needed new space, including improved security, and other amenities. These include separate restrooms for judges, so they will not be forced to share bathrooms with people involved in court appearances.
Holding cells are now accessed through elevators in the rear of the building, eliminating the need to move prisoners through public hallways. Juries can also now meet in comfortable rooms on the upper floors, rather than in the basement.
Judges Jim Fields and David Landefeld are hopeful that a third judge will join them, since Fairfield County is growing rapidly. The renovated space includes an office and courtroom for a projected third judge. Other offices in the building provide room for the probation department, court administrators, the city prosecutor, and the clerk of the court.
Even though the building is now a courthouse, it's still of great historic interest. City officials might create Brochures that explain its history, and have them available for visitors.
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