The Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye Sacramento County Superior Courthouse is beginning a phased opening this month, marking a major milestone for the region’s judicial system as court functions transition into the new facility ahead of full operations expected by the end of April. The 540,000‑square‑foot building replaces an aging downtown courthouse with a modern, consolidated civic hub designed to meet the needs of a growing population.
Spanning 17 floors and occupying an entire city block, the NBBJ-designed courthouse brings together 53 courtrooms, a high‑performance workplace for judicial staff, a large jury assembly room, food services, and a civil settlement center. The project also unifies three separate court administrations under one roof, streamlining operations and improving public access to services. Clark Construction is leading the construction phase.
A central design goal was balancing the courthouse’s practical functions with its symbolic role as a visible expression of justice. The north façade features a glass curtain wall that fills public corridors with daylight and frames views toward the American River, reinforcing transparency and openness. White precast panels reference the architectural character of the nearby California State Capitol, giving the building a dignified civic presence.
Sustainability was also a priority, with the project targeting LEED Gold certification. Energy‑efficient systems, thoughtful material choices, and an emphasis on natural light support long‑term environmental performance while enhancing the experience for visitors, jurors, and staff.
The courthouse is named for Tani Gorre Cantil-Sakauye, the 28th Chief Justice of California and the first Filipina American to hold the position. Her tenure from 2011 to 2023 was marked by efforts to expand access to justice and modernize the state’s court system—values reflected in the new facility’s design and mission.
By replacing an outdated building with a state-of-the-art center for judicial proceedings, the new courthouse is poised to strengthen public trust, improve efficiency, and contribute to the continued revitalization of downtown Sacramento.
