KINGMAN – A Monday afternoon groundbreaking ceremony celebrated a multi-million campaign to upgrade the Mohave County courthouse in downtown Kingman. The project involves a 66,000 sq. ft addition to provide additional space and the remodeling of the original historic courthouse that opened in 1915.
About 100 people in attendance heard presiding Superior Court Judge Charles Gurtler thank many involved with the effort. Judge Gurtler also introduced a mix of dignitaries in the audience, ranging from staff members in Mohave County and Kingman city government to elected officials and judges.
State Supreme Court Chief Justice Scott Bales remembered visiting Kingman nearly four years ago for the centennial celebration of the Courthouse.
“While I very, very much admire that building and its history, I’m very much aware how desperately you need a new courthouse,” Bales told the crowd. “It’s needed to better serve the people who come to our courts, to protect their rights and resolve their disputes and it’s needed to provide better security to those who work in our courts or come there as witnesses, or parties or jurors. And it’s needed to more efficiently provide those services for all.”
Mohave County Board of Supervisors Chairman Hildy Angius also addressed the crowd.
“We shift from a courthouse that was built in 1915 to a new, modern and efficient building that should serve the judiciary and the citizens of Mohave County for decades to come,” Angius said.
Court Administrator Kip Anderson said initial construction will begin early next month. Project completion which could total nearly $24-million, including equipment and furnishings, is expected within 18 to 24 months.
