GOSHEN, Ind. — Elkhart County has officially welcomed its long-awaited, state-of-the-art courthouse, a $111 million facility designed to unify and modernize the county’s judicial operations. Opened in early September 2025, the new courthouse is located at 1905 Reliance Road, strategically positioned between Goshen and Elkhart to serve residents across the county.
Spanning 173,000 square feet over four stories, the courthouse consolidates criminal, civil, and family court calendars—previously housed in two separate buildings—into one centralized location. It features 14 courtrooms and judicial chambers, along with dedicated space for the County Clerk’s Office, Probation Office, and the Public Defender’s Office. The facility is expected to handle more than 44,000 cases annually.
Designed by NELSON Worldwide, the courthouse prioritizes access to justice and customer service in a safe, technology-integrated environment. Its trauma-informed interiors incorporate natural light, soft color palettes, and intuitive wayfinding to reduce stress and foster a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.
Flexible courtroom layouts support long-term adaptability, including virtual court capabilities. The Family Court introduces a problem-solving approach to justice, designed with empathy for the complex challenges faced by families, children, and victims.
The opening ceremony featured Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush, who praised the project’s vision and impact. With the new facility now operational, the historic Goshen courthouse will be repurposed for county offices, including IT, HR, and the Goshen Fire Department’s administrative team. Meanwhile, the Elkhart courthouse is slated for demolition, with redevelopment plans underway by the City of Elkhart.
The new courthouse represents a major leap forward in Elkhart County’s commitment to efficient, equitable, and compassionate justice.
Additional project partners:
Performance Services – Design Builder
Securitecture, LLC – Architect of Record
Ancon Construction – Site Superintendent, Construction & Estimating
Koontz Wagner – Electrical (Design Assist Partner)
Dynamic Mechanical – Mechanical (Design Assist Partner)
Abonmarche Byce – Engineering & Fire Protection
Lynch, Harrison & Brumleve, Inc. – Structural Engineer
