Project

A Calm and Considered Approach

The consolidation of courthouses is an opportunity to improve the public's access to and experience of their judicial system.

York Judicial Center

Client - State of Maine, Bureau of Real Estate Management
Biddeford, Maine

Finegold Alexander’s design for the York Judicial Center in Biddeford, Maine derives from sustainability goals and a desire to provide a sense of calm. The new facility is the largest judicial center in the state of Maine as it consolidates four District and Superior courthouses. Native vegetation and building materials inspired by York County’s landscape invite people in. Sustainability was a key component in this highly efficient project and is the first all-electric courthouse in Maine, free from fossil fuel consumption with rooftop photovoltaics and 70 ground source heat exchangers. Efficient mechanical systems and a high-performance envelope help achieve a low pEUI.

Size
118,560 SF
Scope
New Construction
Program
Lobby + Waiting Areas, Courtrooms, Mediation Rooms, Clerk Transaction Spaces, Resource Center, Jury Deliberation Rooms, Detention Areas
Sustainability
Awards
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In the news
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Project EUI
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Finegold Alexander is honored to be part of the much larger project team essential in bringing this complex building type to life. After years of collaboration the team has realized this modern, fully accessible, and energy efficient facility.

Jeff Garriga, Finegold Alexander, Principal

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Woodland views, courtrooms with natural light, clear wayfinding and a harmonious palette of finishes inspired by the landscapes of York County help mitigate the stress that the public may experience when visiting the courthouse. The use of blue paint and tile, along with river graphic on signage, represent the nearby Saco River. The Maine coastline is represented through the stone like porcelain tiles and boulders used in the exterior building sign.

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