Frank J. Guarini Justice Complex

Courthouse complex in Jersey City

40°43′59″N 74°03′25″W / 40.733°N 74.057°W / 40.733; -74.057Named forFrank J. GuariniGroundbreaking24 January 2021^[1]Topped-out9 September 2022^[3]Estimated completionOctober 2024^[2]Cost317 million USD^[2]OwnerHudson County Improvement AuthorityTechnical detailsSize405,00 sqftDesign and constructionArchitect(s)Rafael ViñolyArchitecture firmNetta Architects^[4]Structural engineerO’Donnell & Naccarato^[4]Other informationParking471-space garageWebsitehudsoncountycourthouse.com

The Frank J. Guarini Justice Complex is a judicial complex under construction in Jersey City, New Jersey, scheduled for completion in 2024. The complex, which will comprise a five-story building, a one-and-a-half-story building, and a six-story parking garage, will be replacing the Hudson County Administration Building that was built in 1957.^[2]^[4] The complex is named after New Jersey Democratic politician Frank J. Guarini.

Design

The complex, while sharing a single foundation, includes three buildings: a five-story offices and courthouses, a one-and-half story building for Surrogate court, and a six-story, 471-space parking garage.^[2]^[5] The parking garage will have shorter floors than the main building, allowing the five-story courthouse to overhang the six-story garage. A three-story ramp will connect the lobby with the main courthouse, providing access while avoiding the higher security lower levels.^[4]^[5]

Security

The building will have several structural safety features, including ballistic rated windows and protection from a total collapse due to an explosion.^[5] The new complex will also seek to address security issues that the previous building had, including separate entrances for the public, staff, and inmates, as well as having areas with differing levels of security based on their function.^[2]

References

^ ^a ^b ""Honorable Frank J. Guarini Justice Complex"". Hudson County Courthouse. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e "Massive new Hudson County courthouse, with modern design and better security, on track for 2024 finish". nj.com. 24 May 2022. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
^ "Hudson County Justice Complex Construction Progress Continues with Steel Topping out and Removal of Temporary Supports". hudsoncountycourthouse.com. 19 October 2022. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d "Trusses help protect court complex from blast-induced progressive collapse". ASCE.org. ASCE. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
^ ^a ^b ^c "NJ Court Complex Renovated to Withstand Disasters". ENR New York. Retrieved 16 October 2023.