Polk County Courthouse Vote

On April 29, 2008, residents of Polk County, Iowa, will be asked to vote to spend money on renovations to the county courthouse and for construction of an adjacent court facility. The current courthouse between 5th and 6th Streets and between Cherry and Mulberry, just south of Walnut Street, in downtown Des Moines is on the National Register of Historical Places.

A February 12th news release from the Polk County Board of Supervisors notes that the referendum will be to authorize up to $132 million with no more than $127 million being spent on construction costs. The news release also notes that the current courthouse, built in 1906, now has 28 courtrooms but was designed to include only 4 such rooms. The current building also needs to be retrofitted for disabled individuals, including jurors, lawyers, and defendants.

The new building will be 8-1/2 stories tall. A 21-page pdf file is available online with details about the proposed construction.

Tours of the current courthouse are being held to educate the public about the need for the referendum and new building. The schedule is below. Enter the courthouse through the south door. Tuesday, March 25 – 1:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 27 – 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 29 – 10:00 a.m.

Monday, April 7 – 9:00 a.m.

Monday, April 14 – 9:00 a.m.

Monday, April 21 – 9:00 a.m.

M.R. Field covers local events for AroundDesMoines.com.