UKIAH, Calif.—Mendocino County marked a major milestone in the future of judicial service with a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Ukiah Courthouse on April 30, 2025. This state-of-the-art facility will replace the current courthouse, built in 1950, and bring long-overdue upgrades to meet the demands of a modern judicial system.
Designed by Fentress Architects in collaboration with Hensel Phelps Construction, the new Superior Court of California facility provides a thoughtful, highly functional, and future-ready design tailored to serve a growing region.
Justice, Access and Community
“The new Ukiah Courthouse was designed to reflect the values of justice, access, and community,” said Curtis Fentress, FAIA, RIBA, Principal in Charge of Design at Fentress Architects. “We worked closely with the Superior Court of Mendocino County to meet their needs – including secure circulation pathways, a fully electronic court system, sustainability standards, and universal design to promote well-being and inclusivity.”
The new courthouse will include seven courtrooms, judges’ chambers, and dedicated spaces for the County Commissioner and Clerk, Family Court services, jury deliberation rooms, and comprehensive administrative and clerical offices. Secure operations are supported by a dedicated in-custody sally port and holding areas adjacent to the courtrooms, ensuring safe and efficient processing.
Inspired by Redwoods
The courthouse’s distinctive architectural design draws inspiration from Mendocino County’s natural beauty, especially the impressive redwood forests. The concept of “shivelight,” coined in 1888 by poet Gerard Manley Hopkins to describe the shafts of sunlight that filter through foliage or canopy of woods, is reflected throughout the design to instill a sense of wonder for visitors by juxtaposing the light and shadow.
Visitors will be welcomed by a roof overhang with bold, modernist columns that provide a contemporary expression of classical courthouse architecture. Varying widths of contrasting bands stretch the height of the facade to reinforce the forest concept. Vertical glazing pockets in varying widths bring lances of light into the interior space, helping visitors navigate the building with confidence and ease.
Future-Ready Design
The new Ukiah Courthouse was designed with five key priorities in mind:
- Security – Smart internal circulation separates public, staff, and in-custody areas. A secure vehicle sally port and adjacent holding facilities ensure controlled, discreet movement.
- Accessibility – The building is fully ADA-compliant, with elevator access to every floor. Universal design principles help reduce stress and promote inclusivity for all.
- Sustainability – Designed to meet LEED Silver standards, the courthouse will provide a healthy indoor environment and demonstrate commitment to environmental responsibility.
- Operational Efficiency – A full-service layout addresses overcrowding, improves workflow, and supports flexible use of space to meet future needs.
- Technology – As a fully electronic courthouse, the services support e-filing and include a modern self-help center – making legal resources more accessible.
Construction is now underway, with completion scheduled for June 2027. Once open the Ukiah Courthouse will not only serve as a center of justice, but also as a symbol of Mendocino County’s values: fairness, access, innovation, and community.
