New MD Supreme Court construction begins

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The upcoming Maryland Supreme Court building took a ceremonial step forward Thursday as officials gathered with golden shovels for the groundbreaking event in Annapolis.

The $147 million facility on Rowe Boulevard will hold a courtroom for the Supreme Court of Maryland and three for the Appellate Court of Maryland, plus chambers and offices for judges, according to the governor’s office. Expected to be unveiled in early 2029, the six-story, 217,000-square-foot courthouse aims to create 800 construction jobs.

“Today’s groundbreaking is not just about a building, it’s about a powerful symbol of our unwavering commitment to justice in the State of Maryland,” Democratic Gov. Wes Moore said in a news release. “By investing in this state-of-the-art facility, we are securing the enduring legacy of a vital institution and reaffirming our deepest commitment to fairness, the rule of law, and due process for every Marylander.”

The old court, also on Rowe Boulevard, was built in the 1970s, and officials have said it has structural issues, among other deficiencies.

The design of the new one, on the other hand, aims to have a law library, a Maryland law history museum and LEED Silver certification, a U.S. Green Building Council designation for efficient projects, according to the release.

Moore also said the building will have enhanced security and emergency-response systems, as fears for judges’ safety intensify.

“The new home for Maryland’s appellate courts and the Thurgood Marshall State Law Library will stand as an appropriate reflection of the State’s commitment to the rule of law and to equal justice under law. It will serve the people of Maryland for generations to come. We appreciate the support of the Governor’s Office, the Maryland Department of General Services, and the General Assembly in making today’s groundbreaking a reality,” Supreme Court of Maryland Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader said in the release. “We look forward to the opening of the new courthouse as we continue to pursue the Judiciary’s mission of providing fair, efficient, and effective justice for all.”

The state’s Board of Public Works approved the project’s contract with Bethesda-based Coakley & Williams Construction in December.

The company’s president, Greg Harraka, said in a statement, “Our CWC team is proud to help deliver a Supreme Court building that reflects the strength, integrity, and future of Maryland’s judicial system.”