Legislative Relocation

The Tompkins County Legislature Relocation project was an outgrowth of HOLT’s comprehensive 2011 Business Case Analysis for a new Center of Government for Tompkins County. The existing Court Chambers on the second floor of the historic Tompkins County Old Courthouse located on DeWitt Park was identified as the appropriate new home of the Tompkins County Legislature.

This historically sensitive renovation of the 1854 double-height courtroom with its wood paneled ceiling, original Gothic windows, and intricate moldings into a 21st Century public and staff working/assembly space for the Tompkins County Legislature presented numerous design and technical challenges.

The 2,100 SF open space includes the central 22-seat Legislature horseshoe meeting table, several semi-private staff offices, ancillary meeting space, and public seating for 50 people. Legislature public meetings are broadcast via a Master Control Room in the adjacent balcony overlooking the space. Acoustics, multiple lighting options, A/V presentations, HVAC, environmental controls, life safety, ADA access, and security were critical components that HOLT and the consultant team addressed. The successful result is a technically attuned assembly/work space that welcomes both the public and staff into an intact local historic landmark.