CHARDON, Ohio—For more than 150 years, the Geauga County Courthouse has stood out as the architectural and civic beacon of Chardon Square. Its clocktower and brick façade have witnessed generations of community life, public service, and local history. In early April, county leaders, project partners, and residents gathered to celebrate a milestone that both honors that legacy and prepares the courthouse for the demands of the future: the opening of its long‑awaited expansion.
The newly completed project adds roughly 32,000 square feet to the historic 22,000‑square‑foot structure, more than doubling its size while preserving the character that makes the courthouse a defining landmark. Designed by ThenDesign Architecture (TDA) and led by Senior Project Manager Brad Gellert, AIA, NCARB, the expansion reflects years of planning, collaboration, and a shared commitment to balancing preservation with modernization. Construction was carried out by Infinity Construction Co., Inc., working closely with the Geauga County Board of Commissioners, the City of Chardon, and numerous community stakeholders.
From the outset, the design team approached the project with a clear goal: create a facility that meets the functional and security needs of a modern courthouse while blending seamlessly with the 19th‑century original. The result is an addition that mirrors the historic building’s brickwork, stone detailing, and cornice lines, ensuring that the courthouse maintains its iconic presence on the square.
Inside, the transformation is even more striking. The expansion introduces larger, technology‑enhanced courtrooms; improved acoustics through sound‑reduction materials and floor isolation systems; and double the number of attorney‑client conference rooms. Security upgrades—long overdue in the aging original structure—include a secure sally port, dedicated holding cells, separate elevators for defendants and the public, and baggage scanners at the main entrance. These features address long‑standing safety concerns and bring the courthouse in line with contemporary judicial standards.
Practical considerations shaped the design as well. Heated sidewalks and walkways were added to ensure safe access during Northeast Ohio’s harsh winters, a thoughtful improvement for a building that serves thousands of residents each year.
The ribbon‑cutting ceremony reflected the community’s pride in the project. Following a commissioners meeting held in Judge Carolyn Paschke’s new second‑floor courtroom, attendees gathered for a recognition program at the Heritage House. Students from Chardon High School performed and led the Pledge of Allegiance, underscoring the courthouse’s role as both a civic institution and a symbol of local identity.
While the expansion is now complete, the work is not finished. Renovations to the original 1870 courthouse are underway, with plans to repurpose the historic structure for additional county offices and support functions. Together, the restored original building and the new addition will form a unified campus designed to serve Geauga County for generations.
The courthouse has always been more than a building—it is a testament to the county’s values, history, and commitment to justice. With this expansion, it now stands ready to continue that role with renewed strength, modern capability, and the same enduring presence on Chardon Square that has defined it for a century and a half.
