Bath County Judicial Center

The Bath County Project Development Board established two primary goals for the new Bath County Judicial Center: to reflect the tradition and history of the former county courthouse and to remain centrally located in Owingsville. Achieving those goals required careful site selection within a downtown area where available property was limited and potential sites were constrained.

Sherman Carter Barnhart worked with the Project Development Board to identify and evaluate potential locations throughout the city. Using a site selection matrix, the team compared each site against the Board’s priorities and the Administrative Office of the Courts’ program requirements. The evaluation helped the Board select a downtown site that best supported the project’s functional, civic, and community goals.

The compact site dictated a two-story solution. Sherman Carter Barnhart led programming meetings with the Project Development Board and building staff to understand operational needs, adjacencies, circulation, security, and long-term functionality. The resulting plan efficiently accommodated the judicial program while responding to the constraints of the site.

Architecturally, the completed judicial center reflects the character and civic presence of the former courthouse through a traditional design vocabulary. The exterior features brick, stone accents, a formal entry framed by traditional stone columns, arched windows, detailed cornices, and a prefinished sloped metal roof. A prominent cupola with a working clock serves as a signature feature and recalls the original courthouse.

Inside, the traditional character continues with a central monumental stair leading to an interior balcony. Solid wood trim and casework are used throughout the building, with courtroom millwork tailored to each judge’s individual requirements. Terrazzo flooring and stone tile wainscoting provide durable, low-maintenance finishes throughout the public areas while reinforcing the sense of permanence and civic importance associated with the historic courthouse.