Officials cut the ribbon on an expansion of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in downtown Lawrenceville on December 15. The $75-million expansion project, funded by SPLOST, includes a five-level parking deck, open since 2019, and a new, five-story courthouse building set to open to the public this spring.

The project to expand the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center has been in the works for more than a decade. Originally approved as part of the 2009 SPLOST program, plans for the project were put on hold during the recession, when it was uncertain whether the County would be able to staff and operate the building once complete. After the economy recovered and the County was in good financial standing to proceed with construction, officials broke ground on the project in February 2018.

District 4 Commissioner and 2020 Vice Chairman Marlene Fosque mentioned her excitement for how the project would enhance residents' experience at GJAC.

“At some point, nearly everyone in the county will need to come to GJAC,” Fosque said. “I'm truly excited about the improvements we are making to make this a more inviting facility for residents to obtain the services that are rendered here.”

This five-story addition to the courthouse facilities provides space for a jury assembly room as well as eight courtrooms, holding cells, workspace for the District Attorney, mediation rooms and space for up to six additional courtrooms.

Chief Superior Court Judge George Hutchinson mentioned that the addition will benefit Gwinnett's court system.

“We are so very pleased and appreciative of the support we have received from the community, the Board of Commissioners, our fellow elected officials and members of the Bar,” Hutchinson said. “The Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center has served us well over the years, but the new addition will offer us the opportunity to move cases more effectively and efficiently through the court system for the benefit of all concerned, especially now at a time of great need.”

At the end of the ribbon cutting ceremony, County Administrator Glenn Stephens revealed that the courthouse addition would be named the Charlotte J. Nash Court Building in honor of Chairman Charlotte J. Nash. Nash, who was born and raised in Gwinnett, has served as chairman of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners since 2011 and previously served in staff roles, including Grants Manager, Budget Manager, Financial Services Director, and County Administrator, before retiring in 2004.

As the name of the facility was unveiled, Stephens remarked on Chairman Nash's steadfast service to Gwinnett County.

“Chairman Nash helped turn Gwinnett into what it is today — an award-winning, innovative County with a AAA-Aaa credit rating and international recognition,” Stephens said. “She truly exemplifies the Gwinnett Standard, going above and beyond simply because it is her nature, and because it will create a better quality of life for the residents of our county.”

Chairman Nash, who will step down from her role as chairman in January, said she looks forward to seeing how the county continues to progress in the years ahead.

“I'm overwhelmed and deeply honored by the decision to place my name on this beautiful facility,” Nash said. “There are so many deserving individuals who have been instrumental in Gwinnett's progress, and most accomplishments are the result of team efforts. As I step back into life as a private citizen in January, I look forward to seeing how Gwinnett continues to grow and change. I'm proud of where our county is today, but I have high expectations for continued advances in coming years.”

A covered walkway from the parking deck, a security node at the entrance to the Charlotte J. Nash Court Building and a new, enclosed pedestrian bridge to the existing GJAC building will open to guests and employees Dec. 21. The full court building is expected to open to the public this spring.

See photos from the ribbon cutting event on the County's Flickr page.