A new era for civic life in Mendocino County is among the first courthouses to be delivered design-build in the state of California.
Currently under construction in downtown Ukiah, the new Mendocino County Courthouse represents a transformative step forward for the region’s judicial infrastructure. Designed as a modern symbol of justice and community, the building is poised to redefine how civic architecture serves the public: prioritizing accessibility, dignity, and long-term sustainability.
The design is deeply informed by its Northern California setting. Vertical lines on the courthouse façade echo the filtered light of the region’s redwood forests—capturing the interplay of shadow and sunlight as a metaphor for transparency and truth. Carefully proportioned massing and restrained height respond to both site constraints and the surrounding context, including neighboring infrastructure and flight paths.
Landscaping with native species, drought-tolerant plantings, and solar-covered parking areas reinforce a commitment to sustainability. Interior circulation separates public, staff, and in-custody movement, promoting both security and operational clarity across seven new courtrooms and associated judicial functions. Every element of the building, from ADA-compliant access points to daylight-filled public spaces, is designed to ensure comfort, safety, and inclusion.
Set along Courthouse Boulevard, the facility is envisioned to both serve as a center of justice as well as a symbol of civic identity for generations to come.
