Nevada City, CA – County Supervisors took action to prevent the Nevada County Courthouse from becoming a vacant building when the local courts move to a new site, which is anticipated to occur in the next five years. The Board approved a contract with Nelson, an architectural firm with offices in northern California, to conduct a “highest and best use” study to develop recommendations for the building’s future in consultation with the community.

Although the Courthouse has been in downtown Nevada City for over 150 years, the Judicial Council of California has decided to build a new Courthouse in a new location and is currently in the process of site selection in the greater Nevada City area. Courthouses across California are an arm of the State under the Superior Court of California.

Nevada County has a 49% stake in the existing Nevada County Courthouse and, while the State owns the balance, the County is seeking to identify realistic reuse plans for the building.

“We believe Nevada City deserves to have the courthouse re-purposed in a way that continues to contribute to the city’s dynamic culture and benefits our local economy. We welcome the community’s ideas for economically realistic, alternative re-uses of the building,” said Supervisor Heidi Hall.

The study will include assessments of the building’s condition, the site’s potential for development, and feedback from community engagement that will lead to the development of final recommendations that are fiscally viable in today’s market. The study is expected to take one year to complete.

David Crotty, Nelson’s lead on the study and Associate Principal, said, “To me and the entire Nelson team, this project is about much more than a building. It is about a community. We know we need to listen hard and collaborate. We will take a creative approach to conceive an engaging project for current residents. But we understand the importance of remaining clear- eyed and objective so that the solution is relevant for future residents. If we can reinvent the building to make its future as significant as its past, we will have succeeded.”

“Nevada City residents and stakeholders have no shortage of creative ideas for the Courthouse’s future – I have already heard several that I find intriguing. I appreciate the County’s investment in this study and their commitment to a process that is driven by the

community and grounded in a solid market analysis so that we get truly viable proposals in the end,” said Nevada City Mayor Daniela Fernandez.

Learn more and sign up for updates at www.nevadacountyca.gov/courthouse.