Photo of San Benito County, Hollister Courthouse
San Benito County

Hollister Courthouse

Background

Prior to construction of the new courthouse in the City of Hollister, San Benito County's population of 58,000 accessed judicial services at a single trial court located within a civic center building that was shared with the county. According to current standards, this building had inadequate security (other than courtroom bailiffs) and was functionally deficient. There was also no room for expansion. The outdated, undersized building was incapable of meeting the region's growing demand for judicial services. Because of its constrained size, the court had to lease off-site space for its family law and mediation services and to process juvenile delinquency cases.

The State of California's fiscal year 2007-2008 Budget Act included initial funding to replace the existing facility with a new courthouse downtown Hollister.

The new building is a two-story, approximately 41,500-square-foot structure that includes space for three courtrooms, a jury assembly room, a centrally located public counter for civil and criminal issues, family court services, court administration, security operations, a holding area, and facility support space. The project includes surface parking for jurors and visitors, secured parking for judicial officers, and a secure sallyport for transportation of in-custody detainees. Under the direction of the Judicial Council, staff accepted a 3.1-acre site donated by San Benito County and located at 450 Fourth Street in Hollister for the new courthouse and associated parking.

Timeline

March 25, 2009 to April 23, 2009: Draft Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration circulated. The draft study evaluated the potential environmental impacts of the proposed project and recommended mitigation measures.

April 13, 2009: Public meeting held.

In response to public comments, Judicial Council staff completed a Final Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration.

On May 7, 2009: Judicial Council staff filed a Notice of Determination, thereby completing the CEQA process.


CEQA

Through its staff, the Judicial Council is the lead agency for preparation of an environmental report to comply with CEQA.

Project History

Final CEQA Report
Feasibility Report


Awards & Recognition

American Institute of Architects, Academy of Architecture for Justice
  • Citation Award 2011
Western Council of Construction Consumers
  • Outstanding Project Award 2014