WAXAHACHIE, Texas—On Wednesday, September 24, Ellis County officials, community members, and project partners gathered to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the new Justice of the Peace Precinct #2 (JP2) Courthouse, officially known as the Ellis County Sub‑Courthouse Precinct #2.
The event not only marked the official opening of the building but also symbolized the county’s long-term commitment to meeting the needs of a growing population with accessible, modern facilities. For residents of Precinct 2, the courthouse represents both progress and investment in community identity. Ellis County Judge John Wray remarked: “This building represents two things, one is growth of Ellis County that is represented by the need for this new facility, and secondly it represents the County’s commitment to move forward into the future.”
The project was guided by Kitchell as Owner’s Representative, designed by Architexas, and constructed by McGough. Together, the team delivered a single-story courthouse spanning just over 20,000 gross square feet, thoughtfully planned to serve multiple functions while reflecting a sense of civic pride. Alexis McKinney Principal with Architexas had this to say about being involved in the project, “The Ellis County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 was designed as a welcoming, multi-purpose building that brings county services and the community together. With timeless materials and a modern look, it reflects Ellis County’s commitment to quality, community focused services, and growth.”
Among its many functions, the building houses:
- The Justice of the Peace for Precinct #2
- A courtroom and gallery, supported by associated meeting rooms that allow legal proceedings and community business to run efficiently
- County clerks and records offices
- Constables’ offices with secure property storage and an armory
- Offices for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, which includes a demonstration kitchen and public meeting space
- A grand public lobby and corridor, filled with natural light from curtain walls and clerestory windows, creating a welcoming and transparent civic atmosphere
The facility also includes a flexible multipurpose room that can transform to serve as a polling location during elections, a gathering space for community events, or a training venue for county staff. Its design acknowledges the county’s need for spaces that can adapt and remain relevant well into the future. Former Ellis County Judge Todd Little noted: “This is the second project to culminate from the County’s 25-year strategic plan, and everything you are looking at today was paid for with cash. Because of the County Court’s support for the plan, your tax dollars were put to work wisely and what you see today did not increase your taxes. We looked to build a multipurpose facility that could serve the community in more ways than just a JP Courthouse. You will see a large multipurpose room that is anticipated to be used as your voting precinct. Additionally, with a high school down the road, we partnered with Texas A&M to include AgriLife space in the building to support the kids of our community with incredible programs.”
The JP2 Sub Courthouse reflects the priorities outlined in Ellis County’s “Emerging Ellis 2050 Strategic Plan.” The plan emphasizes expanded access to government services, improved infrastructure, and the creation of facilities that can support the county’s projected growth over the coming decades. The new courthouse was designed to not only respond to current needs but also anticipate future demand in both court operations and community use.
Construction reached its topping off milestone in July 2024, when stakeholders gathered to celebrate the structural completion of the building. That moment marked the halfway point in the journey and provided an early opportunity for county leadership and project partners to reaffirm their vision. Now, with the building complete and open, the community is able to see the results of that collaboration. Tyler Koch, Project Manager with Kitchell, remarked: “Serving as the County’s owner’s representative on the new Courthouse, my focus was on being a true partner aligning the project team around the County’s vision and safeguarding every detail on their behalf. By staying transparent, anticipating challenges, and fostering collaboration, we ensured the courthouse reflects the quality, value, and long-term functionality the community deserves. It’s about more than delivering a building, it’s about forging trust and creating a facility that will serve the County well for generations.”
The ribbon cutting event was more than a formal opening, it was a public celebration that saw strong attendance from the community. Residents, officials, and project partners came together on a day that truly celebrated the county and its progress. Local officials, architects, builders, and community stakeholders gathered to commemorate the achievement. The ceremony included speeches from county leaders, acknowledgments of the project team, and the symbolic cutting of the ribbon that officially opened the courthouse doors to the public.
Following the ceremony, attendees toured the facility. Many remarked on the courthouse’s expansive public spaces, the abundance of natural light, and the thoughtful inclusion of areas such as the multipurpose room and AgriLife offices, which demonstrate the county’s commitment to serving residents in ways that extend beyond traditional court functions. Guests were also able to see first-hand the investment in advanced technology and security systems that will ensure the building remains a safe and efficient environment for years to come.
Precinct 2 Judge Jackie Miller Jr. shared: “This is a dream that we have had for Precinct 2 since 1995. This is not just a building for the people who work here, this is a building for the people of Ellis County. It is a state-of-the-art facility that will serve the county for years to come.” The new JP2 Courthouse represents more than just a capital project, it is a long-term community investment. It provides modernized spaces for justice and government functions, strengthens the county’s ability to deliver services efficiently, and embodies a civic presence that residents can take pride in. Its blend of architectural beauty, flexible functionality, and sustainable site planning reinforces the idea that public facilities can, and should, serve as landmarks of transparency and good governance.
Looking forward, the courthouse will be a cornerstone for Precinct 2, supporting everything from legal proceedings to elections, community meetings, and educational programs. The project sets a new standard for county facilities, demonstrating what can be achieved when vision, planning, and collaboration align.
Cameron Glass is the Director of Justice at Kitchell, where he helps leads complex justice facility projects across Texas and the other Kitchell regions. With over two decades of experience in corrections, detention, and public security, Cameron has managed high-profile courthouse, jail, and juvenile justice developments from planning through completion. He is known for his strategic leadership, deep industry expertise, and commitment to creating environments that uphold accountability, fairness, and second chances. Based in Dallas, Texas area, Cameron is passionate about leaving a legacy through projects that positively impact communities for generations.
