BALTIMORE CITY, Md.—Baltimore City is gearing up to open its newly renovated District Courthouse this fall, marking a major upgrade to the city’s judicial infrastructure. Located at 500 North Calvert Street, the new facility replaces the aging Civil Division building at 501 East Fayette Street, which has faced persistent health concerns—including repeated outbreaks of Legionella bacteria in its water system.
The transition is scheduled for October 2025, with the old courthouse closing on Friday, October 10 at 4:30 p.m. and the new location opening on Tuesday, October 14 at 8:00 a.m.
The project is a full-scale renovation of the former Shillman Building, originally constructed in 1973. The Maryland Board of Public Works approved a $68 million contract for the transformation, awarded to CAM Construction Company, a Timonium-based firm. Architectural design is being led by Bushey Feight Morin Architects, a Hagerstown-based firm with a strong portfolio in public and institutional projects.
The overhaul includes gutting the five-story, 170,000-square-foot structure and outfitting it with modern mechanical, electrical, and security systems. A sleek glass and metal panel façade will replace the dated brick exterior, and a 22,000-square-foot green roof will support the state’s sustainability goals.
Inside, the courthouse will feature eight courtrooms, judicial chambers, and offices for the Clerk and Commissioners. It will also house key justice partners, including the Public Defender’s Office and the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office. Public-facing services will be expanded with a larger Maryland Court Help Center and a pilot virtual help center, aimed at improving accessibility and efficiency.
The project is being overseen by the Maryland Department of General Services, with a focus on modernizing the city’s legal infrastructure while enhancing public service delivery.
